I do not use the direct painting method. I do not mix all the perfect mixes of colors and choose a different color for each stroke to achieve a perfect finish on the first or second layer. I use the indirect method, which means, basically, that I paint in layers, each layer forming some part of the portrait such as structure or flesh or light, etc. If you scroll back, you can look at the earlier parts of the grisaille to see I already painted in the deep shadows that help the lighting form three dimensional form on these hands. Now, I must paint these shadows or darks in the correct color. I choose flesh color, mixed with two dark additions. I apply them carefully, following the grisaille pattern and my references so as to perfect the shapes. I already know that this layer will look blotchy, the early color layers always do. My dilemma stems from the fact that when I photograph this image, the photo looks sooty or dirty. What my eyes see is a gradual darkening of the flesh color. What the camera sees is sort of an ex ray. I find it impossible to get a photo that shows what I see. This effect, to a lesser degree, is why, I believe, paintings never look as impressive in a photo. There is just something not quite right. I hope someday, I learn what to do about this.

When I create and set my mind to working on a composition, some of them look simple. It usually doesn’t turn out that way. This image has good lighting, good shadows for definition, great expression,,, you can just guess he is yelling, ‘Look, Mom!’ What could go wrong? I decided to use a linen covered board made by a good company, which I have used before. Well, for some reason, every layer I apply feels as though I am painting on dry sand instead of smooth linen. I figured that would be better by the second or third layer, but it isn’t. The oil in the paint is sucked up so fast. It looks dry too. What else? Well, I tell my students that portrait painting is the art of correction, correction, correction!!! The eyes here look pretty good but I will need to modify them both a little. This grandson and his brother and sister all have the skin tone of their dad and their Mom’s grand dad, which is two distinctly different gene pools, but the skin is so white. This is a challenge when doing a portrait. I must paint layers of flesh to make the skin look supple and alive but I must not build up color in a way that darkens it. I think as I move along, this will be OK. As I tell my class, ‘If it doesn’t look right, it just isn’t finished!’ Now I will photo my other ‘in progress’ work and try to attach it.

As you can see, this grand daughter does not present me with the same challenges as her cousins, only different challenges. I have wanted to do this painting for a long while. It is about as much fun as I thought it would be. These two paintings will give me a head start in shows next year. I have another project to prepare for the Community art center so I must get started on that. Even though I do not like cold weather, I do so love to hibernate all winter with a paintbrush in my hand. I hope you all are able to use some of the hints I give you as I proceed. I pray you will all remain in good health. Till next time, Shalom, Diana

children have such expressive faces. When I see one like this, the spirit shines through and I am drawn to it. One like this, which says so much by just a look, interrupt the previous works even though I won’t abandon them for long. It seems to me that when I am pulled to another painting in an unexpected way, that the painting of it is easier. It flows without effort. I don’t want to suggest you do the same. It is a good habit to develop to strive to finish a work before moving on to the next, or else we will end up with a lot of unfinished works. I guess I am admitting to you that my brain works best and happiest when There are several projects wanting my attention. It was the same when I was raising my girls. Adding another new baby didn’t cause mayhem, it seemed to bring purpose and focus to the entire family. It was the same when we took on AFS (foreign exchange students) into our home for a year each. They became true family members and we all focused on them. This painting is a true joy. I can’t wait to show it. I used a different base coat and built the entire painting with the same colors. If you follow my blog, you know I cover the primed linen with a mixture of Burnt umber and French ultramarine blue, which gives a greyed down brow in a mid range value. This time I decided to go with raw umber mixed with Terra verte. I expected a similar value range but I could never reach the mid value. I am intrigued and pleased with the soft pallet. The title of this piece must absolutely be ‘LOOK, MOM!’ Now to get some painting done! Shalom, Diana

Hi to all my subscribers and visitors. This is what happens when my artistic brain is moving faster than what my mind and body can keep up with!!! I have at least four current paintings in production, two or three waiting for last minute adjustments and a dozen or so in preparation for sketch, transfer or beginning work! Some ideas just insist on being breathed into life, which means they must be begun. I didn’t take the photo references for this one. My daughter Mollie showed them to me and they screamed at me, so, I put them all together and came up with the composition. I’ll show it to you as I get more done on it. I just love the way this little guy looks in the surrounding grisaille! My sister in law, rest her soul, used to plead with me to let a painting stop at aa midpoint. She enjoyed the raw possibilities they expressed. So do I but I like them finished too. I apologize for not posting more but this has been a catch up week on so many fronts. Yesterday I took Bruce to have steroid injection in His back. Already he seems to notice improvement. Now I am feeling as though I just cannot find enough time to get everything done. Patience. I am so blessed to be doing this. I am also spending a lot of time studying Torah and now languages, since there was a special on the program from Rosetta Stone. Of course my students told me this week they want to continue. Well, I love this effort as much as they do. I’ll hibernate the rest of winter and hopefully have a lot to show for it in the spring. Hugs to you all. Hope you get something out of this. Shalom, Diana