This is what I tell my students.
Skin texture and color involves many things. You must learn to perceive what the color truly is. Then you must find the color you need. Also, you must consider every color near the one you are placing because those colors influence the one you are applying. Next, the way you apply the oil paint also has an effect on the outcome, that is, the brush strokes.
In M.S. Happy Place, I am dealing with a back lit scene. This can be advantageous in a show because it adds just enough drama to grab the viewer’s attention. But, you must also be aware of the values in the portrait. I needed to lighten everything while maintaining a deep color. In the image I have posted, I will still need to do a layer on the child’s face which deepens her color for shadow while brightening the color for rich blush tones. Not Easy. I have chosen to work on getting the light and texture first, then glazing with a rich, deep blush.

The hair painting method is more abstract than usual. I have to go with what I see because it is already natural. Just remember, in this day and age when most artists don’t have live models, we must attempt to set up our own photo shoot. The image we use can determine the success of our final product.

keep on painting portraits! Hugs, Diana

I have worked insistently to get this ready for a local show. My imbalance causes me a lot of trouble but I thank God that sitting still and focusing on a detail as I paint seems to be the best thing I can manage with this disorder. This portrait needs pinks in the face, lots of pink. If she is not dry tomorrow, I will do that Saturday. A signature and a few touch ups and she will be ready!

You may have noticed, I have not been posting. Let me try to give you the shortened version. We went to our grandson’s wedding, about a ten day adventure. All went well till the day we began our homeward journey. I had a painful ear infection! But, no bother, I brought antibiotic just in case. Two days home but I did none of the driving because I felt slightly dizzy. Two days later, I was extremely ill. One local ERVisit was a waste of my energy. I was loosing weight, couldn’t eat, couldn’t walk or do anything productive. A trip to UPMC Presby and then a week later to my family doctor before the prednisone began to rescue me. That was more than six weeks ago. I can hardly remember. I have been told it could be three to six months before I can balance and do things. I am forcing myself to my studio. It is a danger to walk as it feels as though I am on a storm tossed ship, not spinning like vertigo. I called my class back and I want to get this painting entered in a local show. I find the effort difficult but I cannot just sit and do nothing. Well, I won’t waste your time with more details. I just want you to know I am working again and will post as I can. I hope you can see the fun rippling creek background. It is an actual place where the mountain stream splits into two. I hope this makes a happy subject for people to enjoy. Shalom, Diana