Monday 25 November 2013

Portrait Time

I've eventually got round to beginning the first of a bunch of portraits that I want to work on. The last few weeks have been a time for sketching and planning and thinking about where I want to arrive at.
The next stage in this journey is to experiment with technique, colour mixes and types of support.

For the first study I've chosen to work on linen, largely because I don't need to produce a coloured ground and I've already got a mid tone to work against.

The first stage for me is an outline in graphite. After that the application of some paint to get a feeling for the shape of the face and provide a base for thinking about drawing accuracy and placement of colours. The initial strokes are made with burnt sienna and some medium then some skin tones made with cadmium red light, cadmium yellow, titanium white and medium.. All of the paint was put on thinly to assist in drying.

My first impressions have given me a list of adjustments that I need to make to improve my accuracy but I now have something to work on as I develop my palette and start to refine the shapes that I've initiated. Hopefully, I'll have time tomorrow to get back to the job.



Portrait beginning - Oil on linen 14" x 12"

8 comments:

Linda Roth said...

Looks like you are off to a great start. Slow and steady with a keen eye and you're there. Relax and enjoy the adventure.

Ray Maclachlan Art said...

Looking good so far Mick, enjoy the journey.

Caroline Simmill said...

Exciting and looking good! can't wait for the next installment.

Peter Ward said...

It looks as if you are going in a different direction Mick. What is this mixed media or oils?

Unknown said...

Linda - Thanks. I'm enjoying the challenge

Unknown said...

Ray - Cheers. Thanks for failing to mention the cricket.

Unknown said...

Caroline - Great fun and part 2 has just been posted.

Unknown said...

Peter - Yes, it is a shift in direction but done for a variety of reasons. I think portraiture is a great vehicle for honing observational and drawing skills and we all need a bit of that. No mixing of media - oil paint and medium only.