Painting Work in Progress 6

Much work since the last post. All areas have received many layers to get the look I want. Some further decorative elements have been added and details. Next session should bring this to completion when I add the contents of the centre framed area.

Painting Work in Progress 5

More work on the 'black/white' figure this session giving more detail and layers. The head and hands of the main figure have been painted realistically, whereas the garment is blocks of shapes. Began adding decorative elements ... more of that next session.

Painting Work in Progress 4

The beginnings of the first portrait element today. I used Paynes Grey full strength for the deep shadows and then diluted for the mid tones leaving the highlights white. I like the effect of what appears to be almost black and white against the colours.

Painting Work in Progress 3

Painting work in progress 2

Today I adjusted the palette. The pink became violet and a touch of phthalo green changed the blue so it has started to sing with the cadmium red. Next session I will block in some more of the larger background shapes.

Painting work in progress 1

Today I'm back in the studio after time off preparing for and enjoying my son's visit :)

Here we have the beginning of a semi-abstract acrylic painting on canvas. I particularly like having human forms/portraits in combination and providing counterpoint with abstract and patterned elements.

The composition is pretty much worked out and drawn with pencil, but as always is subject to change as the painting progresses. It is difficult to see the drawing here, but there are two female forms that will be developed eventually.

I began painting the striped section as it will probably feature most of the chosen palette and will be a good place to see what works. I think the pink needs to be more violet, so at the beginning of the next session I'll modify it and see what happens.

GRACIE portrait painting Work in Progress 2

Today I began introducing some warm tones into Gracie the Boxer's coat. Whilst from her photo she appears to be white, I want to show some subtle shading which will become more refined as the portrait progresses. I just love painting the wrinkles and jowels .... isn't she gorgeous! A looong way to go. And definitely the background will change ... I'm now thinking something quite dark and dramatic. More progress tomorrow :)

GRACIE portrait painting Work in Progress 1

As usual with a first Work in Progress image, all you can see is the rough blocking in of a background and loose brush strokes, just to fix what goes where.

In the next session I'll begin to build up the many layers of detail and what will need to be very subtle colouring as Gracie, I think she's a Boxer, is mostly white. The background too will go through many changes before completion. Regular visitors will notice this is one of my less scary initial background colours ... I felt Gracie's noble demeanor needed something a little serious ... just for now at any rate :)

Let rip

In need of a change ... began work on a couple of abstracts.

LITTLE ANGEL commission portrait on canvas

Here is Little Angel finished and ready to go to his Mum. I feel it was worth the struggle and am as happy with it as I can be ... having had to use my imagination and improvise more than I would normally like to on a portrait. Only his Mum will know how true it is and I hope she is pleased when she sees it properly for the first time.

LITTLE ANGEL work in progress 3

Today everything was re-worked apart from the background, which I'll get to eventually. I tried really hard to read his eye expression, but don't know how much was real and how much I've imagined. I'll continue to invent a light coloured top in the next session and increase shadows on one side ... too flat just now. Even when I've taken this as far as I think I can, only 'Little Angel's' Mum will know if it's far enough.

I am struggling with this ... not coming easily at all. A mixture of reasons ...limited information from the black and white image plus I'm wrecked knowing this little sweetheart is with the angels.

Lots to do before I reach any kind of a breakthrough. I will work on the mouth particularly during the next session plus everywhere else. More prayer needed ... I can't do this on my own.

I feel this portrait will probably be one of the trickiest I've attempted so far. Not just technically but emotionally also. It's so important to this little boy's Mum ... I just hope I can do it.

I'm working from a tiny blurry black and white photo taken over 30 years ago. I've scanned the photo and enlarged it to try to pick out what information I can and any further inspiration will come through prayer. As normal I've started off by loosely laying down some values to fix what goes where. The details around the lower lip are difficult to interpret so I'm waiting to hear back from Mum with some information.

After this portrait I feel the stirrings of needing a change. Hmmm .... it's that time of year when I get the yen to paint outdoors and if the breeze calms a little, I plan to head for the sea.

COFFEE still life oil painting Work in Progress 1

I'm trying out my new oil paints with a 6 x 6in still life on gessoed masonite hardboard. It's some time since I've painted with oils and anticipate it will take a while to readjust.

The Winsor & Newton Griffin alkyd oil paint is said to be quicker drying than normal oil paint, but not as quick as acrylic. I was hoping to be able to add layers and glazes in a single session in order to create this alla prima ... but it hasn't worked out that way. I think this will need leaving over night before I can adjust some tonal values and add detail. Interesting process though ... I shall persevere.

This cup is part of a Denby set I began to collect zillions of years ago. Sadly this cup, one bowl and a teapot lid are all I have left as a result of an earthquake shooting the whole deal out of a cupboard a couple of years ago! The ceramic hibiscus coaster is one of the type sold by the tonne here on the island of Cyprus.

Portrait commission BEAUTIFUL SMILE work in progress 5

Managed to have a good solid session on this today and at last I feel I'm getting there. Time to get comments from client before making final adjustments and amendments.
Completed painting can be seen in Studio Bee Gallery.

Portrait commission BEAUTIFUL SMILE work in progress 4

This session I adjusted the shape of the face, amended some skin tones/shadows and added more eye and lip detail. Next session I will adjust the shape of the top lip and nose.

Portrait commission BEAUTIFUL SMILE work in progress 3

Portrait commission BEAUTIFUL SMILE work in progress 2

Just a little more loosely placed light and shade to add, and then I shall start the detailed work. Several layers of glazing, refining, adjusting and amending as I go, until in the end, all being well, a likeness should appear.

Commissioned portrait BEAUTIFUL SMILE work in progress 1

The very early stage of a new portrait. I fixed where everything goes with pencil and laid down a few tonal values. My people paintings are normally on rectangular portrait orientated canvases, but the shape of this little girl's head with hair seemed to lend itself to a square shape. The client, who is the little girl's Granny gave me the freedom to decide ... so 12 x 12 in is how it will be.

Commissioned Portrait TWO DOGS Work in Progress 3

Hmmm ... not sure whether the tail will stay or not.