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Hannah in a Retro Dress

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meprofile

Gary Martin

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Slowly making progress on my largest portrait yet. I'm hoping to channel inspiration from Sergeant's portraits with this 75x60cm portrait of my wife in a really lovely black retro dress. I've drawn out the block-in and done a quick value study using topic markers so far. I'm not exactly using sergeants techniques as I plan to use a standard layered approach so the 'dead colour stage' next. 

Norrette Moore

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This will be interesting, Gary.  I like to see the longer term in-progress pictures, I can learn from them. As it's a value stage I assumed it was oil. But it seems very transparent, forgive my ignorance.

Denise Cat

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I really like the pose you have caught Gary. I also like to watch a WIP as its always interesting watching other artists work and their thoughts behind what they are doing.
meprofile

Gary Martin

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Thanks Norrette and Denise.  Norrette - the top picture is the painting. I used raw umber, diluted with Sennelier Green Thinner for the block-in. this gave it more transparency but I then rubbed over it with kitchen roll because I didn't want sharp solid lines that may show through the next layer. I wanted it translucent and blurry to use more as a guide. I hope that makes sense? the value study was using copic grey markers. Super quick for things like that.

Norrette Moore

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Ah, that makes sense. Will try a 'marker study' myself, at some point.
meprofile

Gary Martin

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Ah, that makes sense. Will try a 'marker study' myself, at some point.
Norrette Moore on 31/07/2024 12:09:57
To save time, I take a photo of my block in drawing and print it out A4 size to use for my value and colour studies so I don't have to draw it again and can just concentrate on the study
meprofile

Gary Martin

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Started the 'dead colour' layer working on the dress this afternoon. Black mixed with transparent red oxide, ultramarine blue and raw umber in various mixes. Bit of transparent white added to the lighter parts.

Norrette Moore

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The fabric is looking good, Gary
meprofile

Gary Martin

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Thanks Norrette. Blocked in everything but the skin and hair for the first layer now.

Mia Walker

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Thanks for the update, Gary! It’s great to see how your portrait is evolving. Your approach with the block-in using raw umber and the transparency effects from the Sennelier Green Thinner sound like a thoughtful way to create a strong foundation. I appreciate the insight into your workflow, especially the use of a marker study and printing out your block-in drawing for efficiency. The 'dead colour' layer technique you’re using for the dress sounds intriguing, and it looks like it’s coming together nicely. Keep up the excellent work—I’m looking forward to seeing how the next stages progress! I am also an artist and As an amateur artist, I’ve always been fascinated by different painting techniques, and this https://www.topessaywriting.org/samples/painting essay provided a lot of new insights. It explores the world of painting from traditional methods like oil and watercolour to more contemporary styles. The essay also delves into the emotional and expressive power of art, making it an inspiring read for anyone interested in the creative process.

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by Mia Walker