I have never been very tech-savvy. I see my blog one post at a time, just as you do. This message is for those of you who are studying this blog in order to glean some portrait painting info to apply to your own work. It may be that you do this all the time and if you do, then I apologize and encourage you to continue. But I was wondering how many of you have sat for a while and scrolled back through the blog entries and then slowly scrolled forward again, reading the entries for the info about the painting process. Of course, there are differing amounts of info, depending on which blogs you are viewing. Well, I just wanted to draw your attention to this possibility. I make an effort to include hints and suggestions and actual instructions so that others might be able to apply this technique without searching in vain for years as I had to in order to create the supple skin tones and realism in their work. People usually don’t have the kind of funds necessary to commission a talented portrait artist so the next thing is, ‘do it yourself!’. Good painting to all of you. Diana
Monthly Archives: April 2023
A quick study
Well, this image is not showing very true to color but I will get a better shot when it is finished. I am not happy when rushing thru a painting. I don’t mind if a painting moves along at a rapid pace because it is working out well, but I just don’t like to be hurried along. I suppose I must admit that I have produced a few good pieces under this type of circumstance. I just don’t enjoy it. I am so thankful that art is providing me with good times and experiences. I want to be able to continue as long as I can. This was class day which is also rewarding because the students express their satisfaction in their learning and in their accomplishments. I hope to finish this little painting tomorrow. I will post if I get it done. Diana
That time of year
Most of my work is large format and takes weeks, months or even a year to finish. So, when asked for a donation for a fund raiser I feel a little lost. In the past, I have already donated the smaller examples which I had painted as gifts. Right now, I have a fund raiser and a friend’s birthday with five days left to complete the items. I chose a subject dear to me and appealing to most, a floral. This is a night blooming cirius. I must look up the correct spelling. Now to get busy.
Dead layer
I’m not sure if this photo will show clearly what I want you to see. Keep in mind, photos somehow have an ex ray quality about them when trying to get an image of an oil painting.
When painting a portrait in bright light, some of the flesh must necessarily be in lesser light or even in shadow. This will certainly look dead until enough color is applied to give it some life. This process takes skill because adding too much light can cause a chalky looking surface, which is very un natural. But if we don’t get enough color and light, that dark under painting will look like putrefied flesh, for sure! The legs on the right got a nice balanced layer today. Look carefully at the legs on the left. One is only partly painted. I took the photo at this stage to help you see the difference. I do hope this helps you to understand and achieve a better reality in your own work. Diana
Diana Williams Portraits 