Portrait

Painter X Oil brushes, I'm not sure how long 2.5 hrs approx. I'm quite pleased with this one. I know there are lots of problems with it, the colours are wrong for a start and the proportions are off, but something is starting to happen. It is at least begining to look like a painting and there is something of the likeness. I am glad I stuck at it. In fact I could have kept on fiddlling with it but it is now 1.30 and I need to get to bed.

It started off pretty rubbish, I just couldn't get anywhere near the skin tones and I nearly gave up, but I think that perseverance has paid off. I certainly feel that I have learnt something. I am not sure what exactly but it proves that you have to allow the reality of the painting to build before you give up on it, and that is much easier with digital oils, they don't need to dry! What I mean is that the highlights are never going to be highlights while there is still white canvas visible, it takes quite a while for the tonal range of the painting to get established (I don't think it is quite right in this painting - the darks could probably be darker) and you can't rush into the detail. That is the fun part that comes at the end. Anyway enough waffle I'm off to bed.