I wanted to put both this and the last photo together but I couldn’t figure it out. That is just because of exhaustion. Well, I will briefly tell you that the process I worked on today not only establishes the brights and light but it also begins the deepening of the flesh by applying a layer or two or three of skin. This is a mixture of titanium white with flake and mixed with an equal amount of Grumbacher gel. This is called a half paste. I apply and brush it in so that the canvas fibers eventually hold the oil paint. Then, I use a soft fan brush to buff the paint down to nothing more than a whisper. It is sort of like a ghost of life that builds up in layers until the reality is there. During this process the features and other details can be perfected and refined. Happy painting. Diana

I enjoy this stage. Often, someone sees the painting and says, ‘I like the mono tone. You should leave it like that.’ I think it is because in the colorless condition the three dimensionality stands out. This is also where it can become difficult. Today, I was so tired that I almost couldn’t work. Anyway, I like to get the lights established. The BRIGHTS and the Light. I always make an effort to get character into my work. I want people to feel the spirit of the mood and experience what the subject or subjects are experiencing. I will probably put some colors in as a sort of guide for the look I am aiming for. Notice the hands. I simply must work this into the title! Till next time, Diana

I began my day by cutting out a suit jacket/blazer to begin a new outfit for summer. Actually it will work for all seasons. I made white jeans and a navy striped tee shirt and this navy linen look fabric will look sharp with those. Also i will make a navy print dress of the same fabric as the lining of the jacket and then navy dress slacks to complete the suit. So I was exhausted before noon and then I went to my studio to paint. This subject has me committed. It is captivating. I began today with the background. It is only the base layer but I believe I will stay with the neutral color. Right now it looks blah but when the colors of the subjects are applied I think the neutral background will work and enhance the entire painting. Next I mixed up a large quantity of dark from ultra marine blue and burnt umber. I use this for most canvas imprimatura, ie, the base color before applying the sketch. I use it also to develop the features, shadows and depths. I used titanium white to mark every place where light is creating bright areas on the surfaces. When teaching, I call this stage, finding the BRIGHTS. Tomorrow, if the surface is dry, I will mix a half paste with Grumbacher Gel and Titanium white with Flake white in equal portions. I will apply this to all the flesh areas, working it into the weave as I brush it off and buff the surface. I won’t proceed if today’s work is not dry. There are plenty of other areas to work on. And, of course, I can sew. Hugs till then. Blessings, Diana

Here is a pretty good image of the last painting I finally entitled, Make a Wish. It can be viewed in daylight or under museum lighting but the best way to see her is to view in dimly lit night lighting. Just a night time room with a dim lamp. That gives it maximum ambiance or mood. I take it to a local show on May 1. Enjoy.r4&

I finished the birthday painting and just realized I haven’t posted a photo of the finished work. I’ll get the photo and post soon. This is my next work although I must also try to get back to a couple that have been postponed because of some challenges that have not been resolved. I don’t like to keep projects unfinished too long. They seem to get stuck in that condition if I let them sit. So for now, I will tell you that I enjoy this stage of the work so much. Probably because it almost immediately tells me if it is proceeding well. I used the golden number to plan the placement for this one. I have a feeling this will move along faster than some. I guess we will see.