Christina

oil 12x9 inches

Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to paint from a live model. The set up had it all: great color combinations, and a quietly confident young lady with high cheekbones and a beautifully long neck. I used the Zorn palette which I absolutely love for figure painting. The room we were in lacked good lighting. At home later I made some adjustments, mostly warming up shadows. There's SO much to learn about painting people! The more I learn, the more I find out there's more to learn. It's all good.

Head Study

oil on canvas panel (partial) 9x12 inches

Our model for last night's figure painting class gave me a new challenge with this reclining position. I kept trying to look at my panel sideways to see if I had the facial features lined up! She had beautifully toned and shiny skin, which I think I captured well. The ear really was prominent and catching the light. The unfinished areas help to maintain the importance of the face. Three more classes left.

Head Study

oil on linen panel 12x9 inches

Here is my latest study from the sixth session of my figure painting class. My main goal was to concentrate on the face and get both eyes the same size! In the two previous studies I had painted one eye larger (easy to do!) and had to correct as best I could. I worked up the facial features all at the same time as Joseph suggested, and it worked well for me. I'm very happy with the flesh tones, likeness, and psychological feel. Overall, I'm making progress.

Head Study

oil on linen panel 12x9 inches

This study is from the live model at my figure painting class last night. Still using the Zorn palette: yellow ochre, black, white and cadmium red medium, it allows you to just concentrate on value and temperature. I'm happy with the result and painting the stole was lots of fun too.

Tomorrow I'll get my work together to participate in the 2nd Annual Chino Arts Festival and Centennial Celebration on Saturday. It runs from 9:30-4:30 Saturday, May 1 at Aquire Square, which is kinda behind the library. Lots of performances are planned as well as art, craft and food vendors. I'll have my daily paintings, watercolors and giclee reproductions if you would like to come out and see them in person. I'll be there all day painting---come on out and say hi!

Head Study

oil on linen panel 12x9 inches

I've neglected painting and posting the last few days due to some fun times with family and friends. Hopefully I'll get back to painting tomorrow. In the meantime, here is my first ever attempt at painting from the live model, done a few weeks ago. I'm in a figure painting class taught by a fabulous artist, Joseph Todorovitch. It is an honor an privilege to learn from him. To see his work go to www.onejoseph.com