Ever since I had the cataract surgery I have had trouble with seeing well to do my art. Today I became clearly aware that my eyes were going out of focus. That is not supposed to happen because I was told the new lens stays focused. Well, I can tell this is causing a problem. It is hard to get these things resolved because of scheduling and time between appointments and wait times for glasses. I keep struggling to do good work but struggle is the correct word. Here is some of the detail work just beginning. It is fun to see more color coming in to the image. As soon as it is really dry I will add two or more layers of flesh and then glazing on top with highlights. I have so many things planned and am just so eager to get them started. I hope you are all enjoying your artistic efforts. Shalom, Diana

The challenge with a master copy is that I must put marks where the master put them! I didn’t think this could be so much more challenging than when I put marks where I decide! Believe me, It is! I must say, Bouguereau knew how to pose his subject, not only to be a good composition, but also to compel the viewer to pay attention, to look closely. I want this to be ready for an upcoming show in Ligonier. So far, the date has not been set. I have several things I am trying to finish because others are calling me. Till next time, Diana

Today I worked on the Bouguereau master copy and the portrait of my great granddaughter. Both are at the stage where every mark is important. This is no longer an underpainting. I must be certain of having enough time so that when I begin, I will be able to concentrate and not rush. When achieving a likeness, the slightest move as you mark the canvas determines success or not. Of course, sometimes you can lift a mark and do it again. I just want to emphasize that a spontaneous flourish usually looks better than a mark which you have labored over. Take a deep breath and then hit the target. I hope you are enjoying this Bouguereau as much as I am. It is as though this little girl has appeared again in a different century. I have to admit, Bouguereau’s images are truly compelling.
Shalom, Diana

Last week I did not get any time in the studio. Today, about three hours improving the flesh. This is not only a matter of color, but more about depth, that quality of realism that makes the viewer feel like they are looking at a live human. In the next layer, I will probably begin to get in the pinks and brighten the brights more. I have been applying a new technique for the darks. This entailed predominantly using two shade of flesh from the beginning rather than just darkening the shadows with any of the many darks I have tried. I was specifically trying to avoid the ugly skeletal ex ray effect when photographing. That led me to think more about how to accomplish the darks without that problem. For now, I am pleased. Shalom, Diana

Today I darkened the background. I want to add some light off the left shoulder but it just wouldn’t come out right. I will wait until it dries and the scumble it on. So then I remodeled some of the darker areas of hair where it almost gets lost in the background. Then I refined the eyes and mouth line and under the chin. If I decide to work more, I can always model the shapes in the blouse, but, I think If I do more today, I will work on a different painting.

if you look this one up, it can be hard to find. Yesterday I viewed a group of Bouguereau paintings on line. This one was not among them. It is called ‘At the foot of the Cliff.’ The images you find may all look different, depending on the pixel count and who is posting.

As with most artists and with most subjects, sometimes I like what I see, other times I am more critical. I do want this to be a best effort. Have a great last few days of warm weather. I am going to go outside for a while and soak up the sunshine. Diana

This image looks so simple but every time I look at it I see something so minute that this artist did daily. What I mean is; we look and see a complete feature, the hair, the eyes, the skin, the blouse. Bouguereau painted such amazing detail. He painted it so perfectly that it is so true that we only notice it if we are looking closely. Every fly away hair, the perfect skin, light, shadow, lace. Well, if you are so fortunate to be able to view an original, don’t just view it from afar. Walk up as close as permitted and look at how precise his brushstrokes. Observe the skin tones and how supple they are. See how real and amazing his figures are. You can almost see them breathing. I am speechless. Diana