Here's the current portrait I'm working on. Last night I worked on the eyes a little more, and also the skin tones. I'm trying to really convey that sun kissed look. I love the look of light on his skin, it's rosy and golden and just gorgeous. Sometimes I think I pick a subject to paint mostly for the light, I'm kind of addicted to full sun. :) I'm just about finished with the skin tones, just a few more light layers, and then will move into the hair and touching up the facial features. I usually prefer to paint subjects without big open grins, but this is my boy and look at that face! Also he doesn't have teeth in this picture yet, so that's just cute. I hate painting teeth. :)
It looks fantastic already. I'm drawn to that bright, sunny look, too. It creates a lot of interest.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you hate painting teeth? For me, it's because they're so hard to get just right.
ReplyDeleteI tagged you on my blog this afternoon. ;)
You capture that rosy, sun-kist, skin tone, perfectly. I absolutely love your portraits. I agree about the sunlight. Such a beautiful painting and such a beautiful baby boy. What brand watercolors do you use? Which colors do you use to mix your skin tones. I'm taking a portrait workshop soon, so I need to actually paint some so I can see what I need help with, or should I say what I don't need help with:)
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm very impressed with your artwork. You have a gift.
ReplyDeleteI followed a link on MT's blog to see who the awsome artist was, and you know- she was right. Awesome. THanks for posting.
Crystal,
ReplyDeleteThis little one is adorable. I just want to pinch his cheeks. I envy your talent, my dear. Enjoy your evening.
I love that you don't have teeth in the picture, it makes him cuter!
ReplyDeleteCrystal --its already perfect:) He is an adorable, cute baby and you have captured him so beautifully! can't wait to see it finished.
ReplyDeleteYep, light is pretty dramatic and makes for fascinating compositions. This is coming along beautifully. I can't wait to see it finished.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but I'm really drawn to the nose.....so cute!
ReplyDeleteIts going on really, really well! You achieved the skin tones so perfectly...and yes, light is always a big consideration when painting a portrait.This one has brilliant light!I usually paint the lighter sections well but my brush falters when it comes to dark,shadowy areas of the face!Will have to learn from you, your portraits are so brilliantly done:)
ReplyDeleteCrystal this is just such a joy to look at! Look at that happy little chap! I can hardly believe sometimes that your paintings are not photo's - they are just incredible! The light is fantastic and I love the eyes - so alive!
ReplyDeleteI think is fabulous portrait,the light is perfect, the transition between shadows and lights is incredible. For me, it will be finished but I'm looking forward to watching how you complete it.
ReplyDeleteIts really bright and lovely.. The look on his face is just too amazing.. May be you'lll add some background etc, but this is already the finished work for me.
ReplyDeleteI have been a professional portrait painter for some years and a Senior member of the Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists...most of us have found that portraits with big toothy grins just don't have the lasting impact that a more thoughtful image has. Having said that, a big smile on a baby can be such a winner that there is no substitute! Very sweet child and nicely done!
ReplyDeleteOh I love, love, LOVE this (a familiar refrain but you know how I feel about your portraits - especially babies!). The lighting is just gorgeous, the eyes enchanting...can't wait to see it done (although it looks complete already)! Beautiful Crystal!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle! I recognize that light in your work too, it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMT, Thanks for the tag! Funsies! I hate painting teeth because I have a hard time making them look natural. It's just no fun.
Hi Carrie! Thanks so much friend. I use Winsor Newton brand, mostly because it's easy to find. I prefer the artist ones, not their Cotman line. There is a HUGE difference. Seriously. Not even kidding. About colors. . . each portrait varies, depending on how light or dark they are, and the lighting. But the colors I use almost every time are burnt sienna, raw sienna, permanent rose, brown madder, and I mix a shadow color with brown madder, french ultramarine, and raw sienna for cool shadows, and cobalt blue, cad red, and burnt sienna for more warm shadows. I apply both of these mixes as lightly as possible, letting the yellows, and reds do most of the modeling work. Did that answer your question? Sorry it was so long :)
Thank you very, very much Wendy! I'm glad you stopped by :)
Thank you so much Carol :):) I hope you enjoy your evening too!
Thanks Jen! I think so too :)
Thank you very much Meera!
Thank you Elizabeth! I'm so glad you stopped by :) Welcome!
Thanks Rachel! I really like his nose too :)
Arti, thank you very, very much my friend! I have the same problem with shadows, I really have to watch myself, I tend to make them too dark :):)
Thank you SO much Sandra! :):) I love that you call him a chap, so cute!
Thank you very, very much Julian! That is high praise indeed :)
Thanks Prabal, really mean that friend. Thank you :)
Thank you so much Karen! That means a lot to me. Your portraits are beautifully done :)
Thanks so much Kim! I just love it when you leave a comment, it's good to see you. And you always encourage me :) Thanks friend!
Oh our baby :) This is perfection. It captures his little spirit. These are the most precious paintings if you ask me. I know I'm not a professional, but I do know that toothless grin pretty well. Beautiful work as always. Luv ya sis
ReplyDeleteYour watercolours are always done to perfection and it must have taken you hours to get the skin tones just right. Makes my efforts look a bit rough round the edges in comparison, but I couldn't spend more than a couple of hours on a painting, would have to move on! Lovely.
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