This was merely a try out for a possible monochrome remake in oil. I did this on sketch paper '8"x12" with a number 2 pencil. Took me some 20 minutes to draw it and thought the result was rather good. My daughter however, who can really draw portraits very well, wasn't happy with neither the mouth nor the left eye. Ah well, I named this one 'Squint girl' then. What do you think, should I retry this and paint it in oil??
I think I might have a go at this in the very near future. Thanks Romain!!!
I think this will be good to do as first painting in oil and agree with Romain that you can fix anything as you go. You have wonderful instructor at home who can suggest an advice for portraiture! Go for it!
Regarding upper lip I think I'll agree with your daughter. But please try in oil.
Dear Sunnylady, whenever I can bring up enough courage …. I might go for it. Do I use liquid white or liquid clear as a base? And Ivory black, dark sienna (both non-transparent) or burnt umber (semi-transparent)?
I wish I knew the answer... I just watched this video about the technique for very beginners for landscape and portrait. It is in Russian but i think it will give you an idea for a starter by just watching. Start 1h 42 min.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apRSjPRk3yQ
There is almost no paint on the face but it looks great just in few minutes.
He says in that video to detail little by little. his brush is quite big for detailing and he gently applies shadows with that one with very light touches. of course you will not see entire portrait only starting moment, but this is probably what is needed for us.
Hi Voy! I have no ideal answer to your question regarding the base... yet I suppose the choice of the liquid white/clear depends a lot on which tones you would like to paint the skin and light on the lady's face.
Watching again the original portrait's video by John Thamm, if you plan to use his wiping-out technique and strategy, painting on a brand new canvas is also a safe alternative. A nicely colored priming, a coat of shellac and you are ready to go! :)
Once again, be indulgent towards yourselves and take all the time you need for portraits. As for landscapes, you can go back and forth on details many many times. And it makes the character live and evolve, which is a lot of fun!
Dear Sunnylady, thank you for this valuable info, I will have a look at that video soon. Momentarely rather busy days ahead since the weather is finally clearing up after more then two weeks of hard winds and severe storms in Belgium. Till next one!
Dear Romain, it will be liquid clear then, since I will se a very dark color and wish to keep the tone. I will rewatch that video again, it might be helpful. Nothing will happen the next few days though (see my comment to Sunnylady) but will keep that portrait in mind. If only my daughter wanted to help/assist but she's got waaaaaay too much schoolwork! Till soon my friend!
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Congrats Voy and welcome to the club of portraitists! ;) Sure you should paint it in oil, because even if you or your daughter might be unhappy with some features, you can easily change it in the next steps. The dark areas already suggest a beautiful face, use those to your advantage as they are nice references!