watercolor work in progress
I worked on this painting last night, hoping to finish it, but it was not to be. I had to keep waiting for it to dry, mostly the background. I know you can use a hair dryer, but I don't really like to, mostly because I wanted the background to have random watercolor effects.
His face is pretty much finished. I may go back in one more time with some yellows and pinks, very lightly. And then I need to finish his hair, hand and book. I like where it's at so far. I swear I learn this lesson every time but I have to say it again, stop while you're ahead. The paintings that I am the least satisfied with are the ones that I've worked to death. There is a fine line with watercolor, and especially the skin tones in portraits, between finished and glowing and tired and overworked. I still need to remind myself of this sometimes. So maybe I'll leave his face where it's at. :)
While I wait for the washes to dry on the painting, this is what I've been working on.
colored pencil portrait
It's a portrait of my youngest from a photo my sister (an awesome photographer, her blog is http://www.photographybyjennymartinez.blogspot.com/ ) took last year right before he turned one. I'm having so much fun with this and I hope it turns out the way I want it to.
Well, I'm off for the day friends, hope everyone has a great weekend!
Crystal, I just can't say enough how much I love your work. Your watercolors are so fresh, clean and delicate looking. A big thumbs up on this painting and the beginning of the colored pencil painting below.
ReplyDeleteWow, the portrait has come out really well. I guess only the book remains to be finished. Its beautiful and so is the pencil sketch. I hope to see that one finalised too.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Wow. It looks great as do the eyes you're working on.
ReplyDeleteIt's coming out beautifully, Crystal. I'm not surprised! Your work is sooooo special.
ReplyDeleteLovely lighting, I like the concentration on his face
ReplyDeleteI love what you have done so far -very fresh and clean and admire your patience :) lovely eyes too. Looking forward to the next stage !
ReplyDeleteLeave the face! It is perfect!! Only the book and the hand could, perhaps, use a bit more emphasis, but I would keep it subtle...you have such beautiful control over that medium!
ReplyDeleteGlowing and clean. I wouldn't add a thing to the face - so supple you can feel it. I don't know how you do your subtle washes and skin tone variations so delicately but as always, it is a pleasure to view!
ReplyDeleteI love it! I totally know what you mean about working it to death. It is beautiful already:)
ReplyDeleteyour sister took a really beautiful shot of your family crystal ...... looking excellent..loved your last post on making time :D ..have a good w-e
ReplyDeleteThe painting is perfect just the way it is - just perfect! This little chap looks alot like Mr. Cook! And I LOVE the coloured pencil drawing too - Really love it! What colours do you use to get such a beautiful delicate flesh tone? And what kind of paper? I would love to try this! I could almost dive in to those beautiful eyes!
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