Today my work began with glazes on the face and lips. Next there was and still is detail needed on the hair. This grand daughter really wanted her blue hair included. There is always one more touch needed but at some point we call it finished. Not quite there yet.

Take special note of the shadow under her nose. It is still violet but now it looks like it belongs there. I added a glaze of transparent flesh mixed with the violet and white, taking it into the lighter edges and over the darker left side, which made it look more like a natural flow of light. this is not easy. you must see what you are aiming for.

One reason I settled on this method of portrait painting is because it gives me the option of working on a large swath of the painting or on a tiny one, depending on how I feel and what time restraints the particular day is affording me. in the spring and early summer, if my pain level can tolerate it, i want to be out doors and in the garden. . All the while my portrait of the moment is calling me. Today, after my out door time, I chose to add a layer of depth to the flesh tone. Of course, I couldn’t just brush it on, no, it needed the finesse of brights, then I saw some darks where needed, then hair, then one thing after another. So it is eight in the evening and I still want to make a tiny correction. Well, what can I say. This is how it goes. I am grateful. hugs, Diana