'Miles'
11" x 18" watercolor - sold
private commission
I started this painting thinking that it would be a complete breeze. First of all because the little boy is darling, and secondly because the lighting was right in the photo reference, his features were clear with a great sparkle in his eye. And, and, it was a only a close up of the little boy's face.
Easy peasy I told myself.
Well. . . I was wrong. It was not easy and I spent most of the week agonizing over the proper colors to glaze on top of each other and if I had the shape of his lips right. The mouth is always the hardest part for me.
But, now that it's over and I'm standing back looking at it, I really like. It turned out well, and most importantly my client already told me that she loves it.
What else can I ask for? A challenge to tackle, the feeling of success of pushing on and not quitting, and a happy client.
Not a thing, that's what.
Now I think I shall go have a cupcake to celebrate. No, no I better have two, I will eat one in your honor and pretend that you are here to celebrate with me. :)
Huzzah!!
Two well deserved cupcakes indeed! He is fabulous and I am sure your client is pleased! Love the blues and reds...he looks like such a spunky little boy!
ReplyDeleteYes, soooo worth persevering with - he looks such a real live boy with lots of endearing attitude! I love especially the glowy relection on his cheeks - bravo!
ReplyDeleteIt is said that in Order to Achieve success there is always a degree of Difficulty to overcome in order to achieve it. You have made another excellent work of art which gives pleasure one's eyes to those who appreciate looking at it.
ReplyDeleteJust amazing, love his sweet but slightly devilish eyes, here's to your success!
ReplyDeleteOh he is fantastic, Crystal.....a big Huzzah for you!
ReplyDeleteAmazing watercolor portrait, Crystal. Outstanding expression on this little boy...and you caught it. LOVE this one.
ReplyDeleteI love it, Crystal. Miles is adorable, and your colors are so very rich and vibrant! Big Huzzah to you!!!
ReplyDeleteIncredible, as usual! Your artwork is just divine, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate you thinking of us and having that cupcake in our honor. And in honor of you having that cupcake for us, I will have two cupcakes as well. I wouldn't want you to feel alone. :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously . . . great job as usual. I'm stealing a comment that fellow DPW/blogger Jo MacKenzie once wrote -- "you never let me see you sweat" -- I think it fits this post and painting perfectly! You rock!
So beautiful! Love his mouth and the expression on his face. Great job!
ReplyDeleteIt's so worthy of the celebration! I think you have captured his defiance expressions very well, and that lip is sooooooo cute!
ReplyDeleteI can't see any trace of sweat in the final result -- I guess that's the character of good work -- you can't guess how much agony there is just by looking at the final result. ;-) Can you believe Sargent has been standing by his portraits and curse while wiping out passages that were not working? Neither could I, but according to his friend that happens more often than we would care to admit. Ha!
So adorable!! Glad you're rewarding yourself with a cupcake! He turned out fabulously! Sometimes you just need to step back and really look with fresh eyes. Commissions are always so agonizing because you have to please someone other than yourself. The owner of this painting is very lucky and I'm sure this will be treasured for eternity!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worth more than just two cupcakes ;) isn't it interesting how things look different when you step back both in art and life?
ReplyDeleteSo amazing! Love the expression on his face, he looks like playful.. :) good job!
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful flair for faces, Crystal!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Brilliantly done Crystal.
ReplyDeleteCrystal,
ReplyDeleteIt happens so many times. Aint it!!! Watercolor is always the master and we are only learning all the time. Anyway this is superb (Need I really say it??). And you can have 3 cup cakes actually. :)
I can't imagine what would make you agonize over anything! I am quite sure you have a magic brush! He is utterly brilliant :0)
ReplyDeleteWho said you can't have your cake, and eat it?
ReplyDeleteYou've certainly done your client proud, guvvna.
I thought the problem would be the nose: it turns upwards, which can't be easy to show if he's facing you, I'd have thought.
Terrific portrait, Crystal.
Crystal...the "eyes" have it...you've nailed this one for sure. When you can capture a certain look and feel, you know within yourself you've made it...and...this young man is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWell, you'd certainly never know by looking at the finished painting that there was any struggle at all! I would also remind you that, IMO, portrait painting is by far the hardest of the 3 genres (landscape and still life being the others), so on that account, and that you always make your portraits appear effortless - have two cupcakes for a job well-done!
ReplyDeleteHello Crystal:) You did an amazing job on this one! Very nice!
ReplyDeleteUtterly amazing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, his sweet little face absolutely glows, a real master piece!
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful. Didi you use watercolors? It is really amazing. You,re reason, the mouth ever is the most dificult, it does the portrait seems from the real face. Congratulations
ReplyDelete