Getting Back To Work

My latest trip to the gym felt a lot like my latest painting homework.  Where yesterday's kettle bell swings seemed to collect interest on previous fun had in Cabo, this study of Sorolla's Portrait of Taft had a way of exacting a late penalty of its own.  It's been an awesome whirlwind since Sugar Shack went up.  After a dog portrait, a Terry class, a couple weekends away, and a day's worth of laundry wrapped up, I felt the accumulation of time elapsed between head studies.   My focus was challenged.  Sorolla's seductive brushwork and masterful expressions continue to distract me from getting the big sculpt right.

I started off mentally chanting, "Less saturation in the reds, lighter darks, and less pressure on the brush."  At first I actually had a really nice subtle warm to cool change down the red length of his right cheek.  But in the end, with the hour timer going off (and off and off, for at least an additional 20 min of overtime), I carelessly picked up an unintentional color from my palate darkening and saturating it too far again!  I did try to keep the big sculpt in mind when I tackled his mustache, darkening and cooling it more in the shadow side, though it still seems flat to me.  

I really struggled with his brow; there was such a significant plane change under that frontal plane above the brow ridge.  I never quite figured out how best to handle the left side of his forehead either, especially with it right up against reflected light in the shadow.  The stroke describing the smile line off his right nostril seems too dark and too brown, while the stroke bellow and to the left side of his lip seems too light.  At least it's flat, and I am wondering if it is the value that is to blame.  Despite feeling out of shape, this 'Portrait of Mr. Taft' was a really fun painting to explore.  I love the expression on his face!  Good one Sorolla.   

Since the last post, it hasn't all been travel adventure!

A very thoughtful and dear friend commissioned a portrait of their dog Bo.  With his tail wagging like an airplane prop, this mature Basset Hound-Rhodesian Ridgeback is irresistible.  Of course he needs a portrait!

'Bo'

8x8" Oil on Panel

My work will be up at Sugar Shack for a couple more weeks if you're near the grid.

Now, lets beef this post up with a few more dog portraits!

'Roxanne's Westies'

9x12" Oil on Panel

'Atticus'

8x8" Oil on Panel

"Abby"

8x8" Oil On Panel