what's important in portraiture...

9x12"original watercolour

Well, I am very happy with this portrait despite not getting a likeness to the model this time. There is so much happening in portraiture painting that is interesting to me as an artist and simply getting a likeness isn't what makes portraits fascinating. On the other hand, of course capturing the person's features plays a role. The trick is balancing the two. 

So, I've decided to fill a sketchbook with pencil drawings that concentrate solely on getting a likeness to the model. I'm hoping the drawing practise will hone my skills, enough so I can forget about that practicality and go back to 'responding' to the model with watercolour paint. : )

portrait sketch

 9x12" original watercolour portrait. 
Lately I've been reading about Frank Reilly's approach to portrait, which is easy to read about it you just google him. It's a good structural way to look at portrait drawing, very informative. : )
Below is the pencil sketch before I started painting.

rail operator

8x8"original watercolour painting

I think my hard work, as I plug away at portraiture, is getting me closer to what I'm trying to achieve. Daily practise (or close to it) really is the answer.

Sunday Afternoon

I recently did some portrait drawings, pictured below, that have been waiting for a splash of watercolour! Today I finished one and got started on another. It's interesting how much the pencil drawing changes once watercolour is added. The first one below is this painting above! The next two are charcoal drawings. 

Seahorse Charlie aka Magic Man

$60 - 5x7"original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat

Seahorse Charlie aka 'Magic Man': 

Charlie, with eyes wide open, floats through the seagrass beds looking for that special someone. Last week he told you about himself. Well, he's ready to tell you more. Charlie is a professional magician. He can move his chameleon like eyes independently of each other! Also, his camouflage ability enables him to change colours abracadabra. And, he can hold his breath underwater for... a really long time. He could magically be yours, just link up through PayPal. ; )

The Challenge of Portrait

 9x12" original watercolour painting

Well, this portrait was a tough one. 
The spot light on the model put his face half in shadow, so the darkness fell right down the middle of him. I didn't want to wash out the right side completely, (although that can be very dramatic.) I almost left the piece as a pencil drawing but, I still had 2 hours left of the 3 hour portrait session and leaving it felt a bit safe. So, although the pencil drawing was a really good likeness, I got out my watercolours and tried to find some balance in it. 
I learned A LOT with this one and I think I'm a bit closer to where I want to be with portraits... The struggle continues, happily. ; )

Seahorse Sally

$60 - 5x7"original watercolour painting with 8x10"mat

Seahorse Sally: A passionate swimmer, Sally enjoys exploring tropical coastlines, chocolate mousse with real whipped cream and blowing bubbles. She is always seen wearing her favourite, but modest, coronet. Sally will happily reside in any room of your home, perhaps a blue bathroom for a lovely contrast with her warm orange tones. And really, who's bathroom isn't blue. ; )