Jody (1936-2008)

8 Dec 2008
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Comments: 3
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Jody, my friends mother, who passed away last week at the age of only 72. 

I'm almost embarrassed to share this painting here, after seeing the museum quality portraits posted!  Anyway, I took some acrylics and started trying to capture her likeness from a tiny black and white photo that had been colorized (2 x 2") below.  I'm by no means a portrait artist, but since I could not make the funeral in Maine, I felt like I needed to do something... so I attempted to paint Jody's picture for her daughter, my good friend, who also loves to paint.

I realized (after I'd started of course) that I should not have attempted this in acrylic!  It dries way too fast and I don't get a chance to blend the skin tones before it was too late.  As a beginning artist I am still learning (sigh).  I can still paint over my mistakes though (re-dos), so I'd like to get some feedback... I know that I haven't captured her eyes... and I need to work a bit more on her nose area.  Any other suggestions? 


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Comments

Anonymous wrote
on 8 Dec 2008 10:53 AM

I think the main problem is in the eyes, the outline of the eyes  are I think too "defined"  Some shadowing is needed on ther right side - nose area as in photo.  Also the lips are I think too defined.  I fyou define eyes, lips,nose too much, they can have an appearance of being pasted on.  As you said, you had drying problems so I think you should try this is a medium you are mor comfortable with.

I use a gel medium in my acrylics which does several things, two of which are to slow the drying time and enhance blending.  

You are not too far off the mark - back up on the horse and do it again and again if necessary.

laurawg wrote
on 8 Dec 2008 12:01 PM

Thanks Richard, I'll work on it... I appreciate your suggestions.

Anonymous wrote
on 8 Dec 2008 1:14 PM

She is so pretty! You did well  on  this. I believe Richard is correct. IIhave found, and I am NO portratist, it seems the smallest touch can make the biggest differences on a portrait!