Christina. This woman is amazing and was the most fun to paint. The glasses were a great challenge as they are made of two differently colored plastics that are swirled together and which have very subtle shadings. And, to top that off, the greenish-blue color is one of those colors that seem to balance on the head of a pin between two strong colors and is nearly impossible to mix. I spent more time on that color. I do work from photographs when painting portraits, generally, because most people are far too busy to sit for the time required. If they insist, I double the price due to the hassles of moving equipment and the extra time spent getting a likeness. Mainly, I insist on using my own photos which are carefully bracketed for exposure to ensure proper and accurate shadows and highlights. Like a portrait where the subject sits, I sketch the portrait onto the surface with raw umber. I use my brush handle to measure and compare distances and to examine angles. I build up planes...
This painting, "The Orchid and Time," is one of my favorites. It is 18"x20" and looks at the primeval quality of life as embodied by orchids, which are, by far, my favorite flowers. This plant has been blooming in my house every three months without fail. I'm pretty sure this one will sell. At only $1200, it should!!
Here is my studio--at least most of it. I use color balanced verilux lights, an old easel my father gave me when I was sixteen, a tool chest from Cessna Aircraft, a glass palette on top of the red tool chest, and a light box for still life setups. Here is the still life setup in action. (The painting sold in my most recent show). Below is a shot of the finished painting.
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