Friday, July 30, 2010

Not quite finished yet, but getting there!


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!

11 comments:

  1. 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.

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  2. Wow, 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.
    Best wishes.

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  3. Wow. It looks great as do the eyes you're working on.

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  4. It's coming out beautifully, Crystal. I'm not surprised! Your work is sooooo special.

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  5. Lovely lighting, I like the concentration on his face

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  6. I love what you have done so far -very fresh and clean and admire your patience :) lovely eyes too. Looking forward to the next stage !

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  7. Leave 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!

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  8. Glowing 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!

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  9. I love it! I totally know what you mean about working it to death. It is beautiful already:)

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  10. your 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

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  11. The 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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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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