A friend asked me to do a portrait of his deceased father. I was pleased to be asked and so said OK. He brought me a 2x3 black and white taken in the 1940s. Wow, I said - that will be a bit of a challenge - trying to work my way out of the commitment. Then he said, but I would like it done in colour - as a gift for my daughter - her grandfather. It got a bit emotional so I said it would be a fun thing to "play with" - no promises as to outcome.
So I have made two 9x12 sketches so far. The first is a burnt umber pick-out, finished adding titanium white and warming it using transparent red iron oxide then added some dark accents with ultramarine blue - all water soluble oils. The plan was to make the under-painting value sketch then gently add colour once the first was dry. It was done on Yes Canvas. If you have not tried it Yes Canvas is an all- medium canvas that I was encourage to try while studying at Watts Atelier - for fine portrait work. It is inexpensive and very fine weave suitable for portraiture. I purchase in panels and in rolls mounting on board.
U tube video on Yes Canvas Because this canvas is so smooth, the burnt umber picks out nicely to create the value pattern - using paper towels, wet brushes and Q tips.
The second sketch was done in colour and a bold brush application, thick and juicy. Drawing looks a more like Tom Selleck - and the colours are probably too young for his stage of life.
Fun exercise to try. Let these dry for the week then play some more.
Off to Whistler to do a workshop with a really interesting group of artists.
More later.
Hi Brian, I particularly like the first piece you played with... the colors being nostalgic, the technique and application very spontaneous. Good for you to just go with the flow! Looking foward to the next few generations of this piece! Jill
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