Thursday, October 20, 2011

Hope SOLD

Hope
7" x 9" watercolor
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. :)))

25 comments:

  1. What beautiful richness of color in this portrait, Crystal!

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  2. crystal.. love the depth and colors in your skin tones.... wonderful portrait. way to go girl!! you nailed it!!!

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  3. hahaha.. Crystal you're cracking me up! P90 X is so hard, but so worth it! Stick with it!

    And 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!

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  4. Gorgeous color and shine! The feeling you get in your portrait is really just amazing.

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  5. This 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)

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  6. Beautiful job on this portrait! You certainly captured the skin tones and the lips (agreed - very hard to get correct) on this model.

    Enjoy the fall colors in your area while they last!

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  7. 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!

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  8. Simply awesome portrait, Crystal. I don't think there is any portrait you couldn't do beautifully.

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  9. Such sweet and kind expression on this girl's face, just lovely Crystal.

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  10. Beautiful , intense expression in her eyes, you are just so incredibly good at giving life to portraits!

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  11. Crystal...wow..incredibly wow!!!...fantasically wow...can you do this larger and enter it in competitions? please....

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  12. This is amazing Crystal, I am finding everything about this portrait so full of life and color. It's beautiful!

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  13. Absolutely gorgeous portrait. Perfect skin tones...She's beautiful and you did an excellent job on her!!

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  14. Perfection. You've captured some essence, a moment. Beautiful work hope to see more along these lines. Yeah for feeling inspired!

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  15. what gorgeous skin tones and beautiful eyes!!!! You did an amazing job on this one :)

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  16. The 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.

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  17. Lovely painting! I think the lips are perfect and so expressive too. Very painterly.

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  18. Beautiful portrait (as always!). Can't wait to see what fall inspires in you!!

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  19. This one positively glows, her eyes as well as her skin. Brilliant portrait.

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  20. Fab portrait - the photo has come alive under your brush. Bravo! xx

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  21. Wow! Another stunning piece. I would love to paint people someday, you really are and inspiration!

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  22. Crystal, 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:)

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  23. I'm so glad fall is here. I need to take a hike with the fam.

    Now 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.

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  24. You have a fantastic technique, Crystal. Your portraits are the best I've seen so far in watercolor. The eyes are so expressive ... Congratulations!

    Beautiful autumn branch

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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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