9 x 12
oil on hardboard
At the end of year, Karin Jurick offers a portrait challenge for her participating artists of her DSFDF site. I was one lucky artist this year to have been sent this beautiful photo to paint. Karin had suggested doing more than one painting, which was great advice for me, since I was happier with my second attempt (see the original try posted below). I first printed the photo and painted from that, but feel that if I could have had the computer monitor and the easel side by side, it would have been a better reference. I paint in a different room than the office computer, but that's definitely something to work on in the new year.
This past Saturday I spent a delightful afternoon with a fellow Dallas artist, Angela Elledge, visiting an outdoor painter's exhibit, and over lunch we were discussing Karin's upcoming challenge. I was concerned about being able to capture a likeness of my photo, while she was equally worried about what to do with a more whimsical photo she had received. Be sure to check out Angela's site and see her masterful portrait. I'm impressed, Angela!
Here is my reference photo.
Okay, didn't I just mention that I was lucky enough to draw a beautiful artist to paint! Wonder why I couldn't be as lucky and win the lottery!
8 x 10
oil on hardboard
This was my first try at the portrait, but felt it was too strong in color for the softness of the subject, so set out for a second attempt with a "lighter hand".
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Ann, your interpretation is beautiful. With your soft handling of the paint, I first thought it was watercolor. It is very well done, love the texture of her hair...bet you can't wait to see your portrait in return. Thanks again for Saturday's visit, I'm already planning my next trip back to SW Gallery. Looking forward to getting together again, take care.
ReplyDeleteVery well done, Ann.
ReplyDeleteNice, Ann! I agree that your second version is your best one. I finished a first version today and may attempt a second one now myself.
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful, Ann, and you did her even moreso! I am saw awed by your talent, truly.
ReplyDeletegreat job Ann, both are so well done and so different.
ReplyDeleteAnn,
ReplyDeleteI like them both. She is beautiful you cannot go wrong with her ha?
well done!
Nice job on this Ann, I like the second one best too, though both are beautiful...and I thought it was pastel!
ReplyDeleteAnn you really captured her in your second attempt. It's amazing how a little experience can help with the results. Well done.
ReplyDeletegreat portrait, Ann..very nicely done.Great likeness and beautiful rendering.
ReplyDeleteI like both of these Ann - beautiful. You did a great job - so soft.
ReplyDeleteGreat results , both , Ann .I liked the first one more.Nice bright and clean.
ReplyDeleteVery nice job, I agree with your choice, I really think you made a great choice on the background. Makes me wish I had tried again.
ReplyDeleteAnn, I think it's cool that you and Angela made the time to meet and have some fun discussing art. Both of your pieces look very joyful.
ReplyDeleteI hope you win that Lottery!
Really nice work, thanks for sharing your process with both versions. I especially like your sensitive handling of the values in the second!
ReplyDeleteYou have painted such a beautiful smiling face on her, Ann. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteI like them both too! the one you didn't submit has such rich lovely colors. very well done!
ReplyDeleteGreat pieces. I hope she will not have to choose if you guys decide to exchange your portraits.
ReplyDeleteI like both versions. I was surprised to see they are oil and not pastel. Your handling is so soft...they are beautiful! Nice job!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting of a lovely woman, Ann! You've really captured the warmth of the expression, and gorgeous smile.
ReplyDeleteVery nice work! As stated before, she's such a beautiful subject...I'm sure she was a delight to paint and you did a super job.
ReplyDeleteAnn, I'm impressed that you made the effort to do a second finished painting. How many would want to take the time? But, what a learning experience each becomes and that you can't erase from your accrued skills. Each is a beauty in its own right. I actually like both. I like how you formed and shaped the hair that replaced the hand area (hands were distracting). Perfect complement to the beauty above.
ReplyDeleteWith the photo/subject you received, I'd say you received the top-notch luck of the draw. Better go buy some lottery tickets. It's your time.
This is a charming painting of a charming lady! Great work!
ReplyDeleteI work directly from the computer and love it! Really love the lightening/darkening and zoom in features!!
Ann, thanks for visiting my blog. I'm finding it engrossing to attempt to build a chronicle of the art journey. Thanks for your comments on the portrait challenge. Really appreciate it. I have admired your work for a number of years. 70 degrees! Wow! We are "sizzling" at 22 degrees here in NH, and that's Fahrenheit! Have some more snow scenes to post soon so come back.
ReplyDeleteYour second rendition has a more dreamy quality to it. I like it better than the first one. Well done, Ann!
ReplyDelete