Monday, April 26, 2010

wrestling with children


I do believe this one is done.
I am always ever so careful when I wrestle with young children. They are delicate and one has to use small brushes and a lot of glaze to achieve a good likeness.
I know there are some portrait painters who achieve the finish by using bold and powerful marks...but I really cant do it. I find the faces of children to be composed of most delicate shading and shape. I admire those who can capture it in fresh quick strokes... but since this is my style and my work.... "Aah, tea, why thank you Hoarknockle!"
All this one requires is a last coat of preserving varnish.
I wanted this painting to reflect the personalities of the children and to give some idea of who they are and what they do.
Its been a demanding time, and I'm happy with the results.
Now on to some digital drawing.

2 comments:

  1. My gosh! Awesome to see the whole process... you are so talented!

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  2. Great piece! Is there any subject matter you can't attack and conquer? Children portraits are so difficult.

    I totally agree about the approach to painting. As a developing painter, I've always dreamed to be able to paint like John Singer Sargent or Skip Lipke or Lucian Freud... but is not to be.

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