Hope
7" x 9" watercolor
click here to bid SOLD
photo reference used with permission by Steve Evans (babasteve on flickr)
I belong to a small portrait group and this photo was our challenge for September. This is the first time I've painted dark skin tones and I really enjoyed it. There were some gorgeous, rich colors that I loved trying to figure out what color mixes I should use to paint them with.
I loved the model's wide, expressive eyes and the shape of her lips. (Which was unusual for me as I find lips one of the hardest parts of a portrait. What was that John Singer Sargent said. . . there's something a little bit wrong with the mouth? Yeah, lips are tricky.)
And I think fall has finally come to Utah! Huzzah!! The weather is perfect and the mountains are almost completely red from all the leaves turning on the trees. I drove near the mountains yesterday and had to remind myself to keep my eyes on the road because all I wanted to do was stare at the gorgeous color all around me.
Pretty, yes?
In other words, I am feeling super inspired lately and can't wait to try out some new painting ideas I have. Huzzah!!
*sigh* Now I think I'll go have some apple cider. After my hour-long, torturous P 90X workout that is. Huzzah???
Have a great weekend everyone. :)))
What beautiful richness of color in this portrait, Crystal!
ReplyDeletecrystal.. love the depth and colors in your skin tones.... wonderful portrait. way to go girl!! you nailed it!!!
ReplyDeletehahaha.. Crystal you're cracking me up! P90 X is so hard, but so worth it! Stick with it!
ReplyDeleteAnd about this painting.. WOW. Just stunning! The color tones are perfect and you have completely nailed her expression! I have been wanting to play with the darker skin tones as well.. Such a wonderful job on this portrait Crystal!
Gorgeous color and shine! The feeling you get in your portrait is really just amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis is just heart-meltingly beautiful. I love those beautiful warm dark tones in her face. And what gorgeous lips she has!!! I want them!! I expected that you might have found the difference quite a challenge but clearly not at all :0)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job on this portrait! You certainly captured the skin tones and the lips (agreed - very hard to get correct) on this model.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the fall colors in your area while they last!
Skin tones, as you know, are one of my favorite things to paint and it includes all colours and races. This child is gorgeous and you have done a wonderful job of capturing the skin tones without having them turn muddy. Great job!
ReplyDeleteSimply awesome portrait, Crystal. I don't think there is any portrait you couldn't do beautifully.
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet and kind expression on this girl's face, just lovely Crystal.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful , intense expression in her eyes, you are just so incredibly good at giving life to portraits!
ReplyDeleteCrystal...wow..incredibly wow!!!...fantasically wow...can you do this larger and enter it in competitions? please....
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing Crystal, I am finding everything about this portrait so full of life and color. It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous portrait. Perfect skin tones...She's beautiful and you did an excellent job on her!!
ReplyDeletePerfection. You've captured some essence, a moment. Beautiful work hope to see more along these lines. Yeah for feeling inspired!
ReplyDeletewhat gorgeous skin tones and beautiful eyes!!!! You did an amazing job on this one :)
ReplyDeleteThe colors are rich and beautiful. It could not have been better. And as you said about lips already... They probably are the most difficult part in a portrait and here you have done a GREAT job. And I also like the expression on the face.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love her eyes:)
ReplyDeleteLovely painting! I think the lips are perfect and so expressive too. Very painterly.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful portrait (as always!). Can't wait to see what fall inspires in you!!
ReplyDeleteThis one positively glows, her eyes as well as her skin. Brilliant portrait.
ReplyDeleteFab portrait - the photo has come alive under your brush. Bravo! xx
ReplyDeleteWow! Another stunning piece. I would love to paint people someday, you really are and inspiration!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, this is gorgeous! You have the same glow that is in all of your portraits. I'm an in such awe of your portrait skills:)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad fall is here. I need to take a hike with the fam.
ReplyDeleteNow that my girls have tried a little water color, they are even more impressed with your skills and results. :)
HaHa! My word verification today is liguak. Sort of sounds like a French duck.
You have a fantastic technique, Crystal. Your portraits are the best I've seen so far in watercolor. The eyes are so expressive ... Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful autumn branch