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Using the Zorn palette for the first time
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Message
Posted
Yes, Alan and thanks, I am going to look at it all, along with everything else, portraits are becoming really exciting for me and seeing how different artists construct them. I,ll be looking at Lucian Freud too. I've come across very odd looking portraits and these look very interesting to. You were right about using more mid tones, I'm sorry I didn't take a bit more time because I'm practicing I'm not taking my time but I do intend to put the time in next time. I've been looking at Ols Maria and think I could have done a better job if I had slowed down. Man with a feather, I love it. Great painting and style.
Edited
by Denise Cat
Posted
I've started another portrait, I couldn't resist, I think I've got off to a better start with the under painting. The lights gone now, so can't carry on with it. I must say I have no idea how it will come out, you never know if it will be a complete mess when you have no confidence with portraits. I read how Vermeer constructed his painting. It must be great being a professional artist and getting stuck into this the traditional way and having the now how. Anyway, I've had an enjoyable day getting this far in my practice.
Posted
That looks like a pretty good start to me. Remember that it's your painting in your style - whatever that turns out to be. It's not meant to be a photocopy!
I've had to restrict myself to painting from photos. I have a tendency to attempt too close a copy, then agonise about it not 'being right' (due party to lack of practice). Oh the pain!
Posted
Thanks Alan, It's the first time I've used it. I bought it when I first got some oil paints, when I didn't know there was a variety of whites. Then I noticed, titanium is used mostly, so got that. I've got a Zinc white and a soft mixing white. I didn't realise Flake White was lead based. The Flake White has a really nice texture to it. I'll continue using it for this.
Posted
I've started another portrait, I couldn't resist, I think I've got off to a better start with the under painting. The lights gone now, so can't carry on with it. I must say I have no idea how it will come out, you never know if it will be a complete mess when you have no confidence with portraits. I read how Vermeer constructed his painting. It must be great being a professional artist and getting stuck into this the traditional way and having the now how. Anyway, I've had an enjoyable day getting this far in my practice.A very good start!
Posted
Thanks Colin, I intend to copy for a few months because portraits aren't my thing and I was struggling. I'm just trying to learn the basics, then I'll try doing my own again. I feel like I am learning as I'm doing them.
Thanks Kenneth, when I took up painting last year, I wouldn't have dreamt I would be trying Girl with the Pearl Earring. I wouldn't have thought it, even a few weeks ago.
Posted
This is how far I got on the face before the light went. There is still much to do. I've got to round that socket off on the left eye. I didn't get time to touch the lips and I haven't got the nose shape yet. I only started working on the eyes as the light started going, so, still much to do there. I think I will be quite a few days on the face. Any comments on progress, good or bad, I will be happy to know. Thanks.
Posted
Real Flake White is indeed lead-based, but there are pigments described as Flake White Hue, or Replacement Flake White, which are Titanium, modified in ways beyond my ken to provide some of the same working characteristics. REAL Flake White, i.e. real lead, is so much better for portraits, if you can actually get it - it's not easy to buy it in Britain, and virtually impossible in parts of Europe.
Some companies, e.g. Natural Pigments (Europe) and The Supreme Paint Company can get it for you - it's well worth it.
One of several problems with the Hue/Replacement colours is that they contain Zinc White as well - which I wouldn't use, in oil anyway: but that'd make this a very long post, so unless anyone is really interested, I'll stop there!
In the meantime -your portrait is coming on very well - just keep an eye on the nose, as it were: there's a very strong tendency to see noses as much longer than they really are, which also tends to lead to a foreshortening of the upper lip, with a corresponding tendency to then reduce the size of the chin (especially if the lips are parted).