Thursday, June 28, 2012

Debbie's Boy - sold


Debbie's Boy
8" x 10" watercolor - sold
private commission

A few weeks ago I got a commission request that I couldn't wait to start painting. This portrait is it. This is my good blogging/facebook friend, Debbie's son. Debbie is a wonderful watercolor artist herself, click here to visit her blog. :) 

There was such variety of color in his skin tones, and a lot of contrasting warms and cools. It was a real challenge to try and capture that. But I really enjoyed the process of figuring out what colors to use and how to mix them.

I learn something new with every portrait I paint. Sometimes I forget it (drat!) and have to re-learn it with the next portrait I paint, but that's ok, maybe one day it will finally stick!

There's always something new to learn when it comes to painting. It's what keeps me excited to pick my brushes up day after day. The prospect of discovering something I never have before. . .  Or remembering it at least. ;)

Huzzah!



21 comments:

  1. Crystal...what a handsome young man your friend has...and what a wonderful portrait you've done of him. He looks so joyous and you've captured his happy spirit. Always love your skintones. She's going to love this.

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  2. Crystal, this is so brilliantly done! He just comes alive on the paper. And I checked into Debbie's blog - it's wonderful. Thank you.

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  3. Hi, Crystal,
    ~(*o*)~! ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ·.•*•♫°•♫·.•ʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ
    ...and I perfectly understand what you meant in the post regarding portraits!
    Cheers,wink,wink, Sadami

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  4. Wow what a brilliant portrait how do you do that in watercolor... wonderful.

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  5. A beautiful portrait - it's good to know that even more experienced and skilled artists like you have that problem of learning something with every painting - and then forgetting it!!!! I keep meaning to write things down like particular colour mixes that work well etc. but I rarely do!!!

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  6. A wonderful portrait! He looks radiant and happy..
    Cheers!

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  7. Fabulous portrait, full of life and vitality! xx

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  8. They say that in writing it is often possible for the words to get in the way of the story...to over elaborate.

    I guess it's the same with painting. That, in your painting, I saw the person first, 'I know that face!' (before I saw your painting) proves my point. You've got this one right on the button , the client will love the likeness first ... and then wax lyrical about the art later!

    That was a mouthful, Guvna, ... you know what I mean though!

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  9. I knew right away which Debbie you mean - I recognised the boy from photo's she has posted on her Facebook page. I think she has two other handsome sons too! Isn't he a gorgeous looking chap? He must have been a lovely model to paint! And there is no question that Debbie will be thrilled! How could she not be? It is amazing!! I love the hair, the way you have painted the eyes and even the sheen on his gums! You don't miss a thing! :0)

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  10. A wonderful portrait, Crystal.I can understand how you would have felt while painting it.It is a great photo and you have done it justice!Congrats.

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  11. Excellent job! Look at all those highlights and contrasts, I'm sure your client will be pleased. So right, so much to explore and learn with every painting.

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  12. thought i recognized debbie's son ! ...debbie will be thrilled with it !

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  13. Ohhh, I bet they love it, Crystal. Wonderful!

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  14. OH MY GOODNESS! This is such a wonderful portrait of this VERY handsome man. The skin tones are beautiful...and you caught a great expression, Crystal!!! I love this one!!!

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  15. You bring such joy to your work. Gorgeous portrait.

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  16. Wow Crystal...you did an amazing job on this one. So realistic.

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  17. You did a great job with the skin tones. He's glowing. Your blog buddy must be very pleased. Now I've been meaning to ask: What is huzzah? The local hoorah in your part of the country? The Marine affirmation shout? I'd like to be in on it.

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  18. What I love most about your portraits is that you always seem to capture that warmth of their personality, be it a baby boy, a faithful K-9, or a 29 year old -- you capture that "shine" of their soul. This distinguish you from so many other technically very sound portrait and figure painters...

    BTW: This is totally unrelated but I have recently purchased and downloaded some Mary Whyte tutorial DVDs from her publisher. I remember that you said you'd like to take a workshop with her -- so I thought I'd ask whether you would like to watch it, if you don't already have them. If that's the case, I can make two dvds and send them to you. Let me know!

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  19. Beautiful, Crystal- your friend will love it!

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  20. What a wonderful painting! I am sure Debbie is thoroughly thrilled with this one. The colours and values are so skillfully taken care of. Its always such a treat to return to your blog with every new post.
    Best wishes,

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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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