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PB3 - Copy

Cordelia Campbell

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Posted
Hi Linda, I'm a bit late to the comments but wanted to add that I did some works many years ago that measured 4ft x 8ft on MDF board.  I used ordinary emulsion as a primer, several layers rolled on and sanded.  Also primed the reverse so it didn't buckle. I painted using thinned acrylic and gold leaf, 3 abstract paintings for a hospital project and completed 3 paintings in a fortnight.  It was hard work but I did have helpers to move the paintings and store when dry. I would suggest if using canvas, you could attach a backboard before you start to prevent any knocks that could damage your expensive canvas, especially when being transported.  Also it would protect from dust.  I don't envy you using oil paints in a work of that size thinking about drying time, maybe acrylics would work and probably be easier to handle and to glaze finished work? Good luck and you could always do a practice painting on MDF and see how it goes.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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Many thanks for your comments Cordelia.  I am now thinking along your lines - mdf, ply, hardboard.  The underpainting will be in acrylic for sure.  I anticipate a few practice painting to get to know the face and to settle on the final pose. I have been looking at the winning entries for current exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery (Herbert Smith Freehills competition )and they all look dead to me or rather lacking in life.  Do others think the same?

Edited
by Linda Wilson

Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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I had a go at squaring up a different view, but I abandoned  it as the image started to look like Mother Teresa!  I really hate this squaring up business.  It takes me longer to draw the squares than to do the sketch!  Feeling frustrated, I went out to the range and bought a reasonably large canvas board and covered it with orange paint to get rid of the white.  Even put a ghostly sketch in from memory.  But at least I achieved something on this gloomy day.

Edited
by Linda Wilson

With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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I too loathe squaring up.  You are not alone.  I'd much rather go right in with the brush and be-damned to precise accuracy.  You can always adjust as you go along, paint mistakes out: and unless you're really absolutely determined to get a perfect copy - I just wouldn't bother with squaring up. Mind you, I think Denise has produced a squared up painting, but she has infinitely more patience than I have.  And is doubtless a FAR nicer person... 
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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Still painting from memory, another layer goes down.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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Found my thread at last and progress has been made.
ME - Copy

George Cutter

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Posted
Progressing well Linda.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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Thanks George.  I had to get rid of the smile and teeth.  The next challenge it to make the body look as though it belongs to the head!

Denise Cat

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It's coming al9ng great Linda.

Denise Cat

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It's coming along great Linda.

Tessa Gwynne

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The head is really good Linda. I see what you mean about head/body connection, but I think you only need to soften the neckline of his T shirt which is a bit harsh.  Glad you found it! I also find it sometimes difficult to find a recent Forum post, and just give up. There must be an easier way!
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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I had actually given up searching and was anticipating starting another thread.  So I went into my art and chose the WIP option and there it was!  Meanwhile Dawn has kindly given me a link to it.
Showing page 3 of 8