Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Latest News: Self Portrait


I felt compelled to post something new today because I got tired of seeing the same post day after day.  It's a reminder to me that I've done nothing since then.  I drew the outline for a self portrait over the weekend.  I've been intending to get a self portrait in my portfolio for awhile and after taking several dozen pictures, decided it was time to at least try one.  This is the first stage of a large one I started this morning. So far, so good, but when I snapped the photo the reflection of the water that hadn't dried created an effect that wont be there later, so the nose actually looks better than it is at this point.  But as I said, I needed to get something in a post.  My intention is to create a fair amount of texture in the shadows to make the painting interesting. It's important to let the watercolor do it's thing.  Just need to nudge it in the right direction.

Lately my work schedule is not conducive to painting (or sleeping for that matter), but I've found time to golf so there really is no excuse not to paint as well. 

8 comments:

  1. this is looking great Kevin! I look forward to see where it goes next. It is very interesting at this stage...beautifully done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Celeste. I'm "all in" on this one now that I've posted it. I'm feeling a little cautious that the first stage might be better than the next stages. This almost works as is, and it always worries me when I start a painting so nicely. No turning back now though.

      Delete
  2. Hi Kevin,
    We're busy moving into the new place, but I wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I like this work. Great stuff, Kevin. I do believe your best work is portraiture--hands down. I'm no critic, but when I see your faces, I think your talent shines through.
    Okay, I'll shut-up now. Keep hitting 'em straight, but not too often!
    Sincerely,
    Gary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gary, we're enjoying 80 degree weather this week, so we have that in common for now. You know, I got away from the portraiture and haven't really gotten back to it. (at least not watercolor). It was my comfort zone for most of my drawings and paintings, but I wanted to branch out and not feel as limited. So it makes sense that you would see that and I would agree that it is not difficult to get into it. But I do feel much less comfortable now because I left it for so long.
      As for golf, well... The problem is that I joined a golf club and they have about 5 tournaments a year. So I find myself golfing more now than I used to. This makes it all the more frustrating when I have a horrible round(s) like I've had lately. Might as well tell you I barely broke 100 (99) at The Reserve the first time I played it (yesterday). Not to mention my scores went up since last year and I've yet to break 80 this season. I know why you quit. It's too frustrating. A friend who I play golf with is a musician. He asked me just last week "Do you ever get this frustrated when you paint?...I don't when I play."
      I've crumpled up work and thrown it away, but I want to break clubs almost every time I play. Also when I succeed in art, it lasts forever. Yet we both (my friend and I) continue to play this stupid game. Go figure. Having said this, you live in perpetual golf weather, so be careful. Resist the urge to play again. Take care

      Delete
  3. Wow. I really like seeing how this is developing. Nice capture of values, texture and expression.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tina. I didn't focus so much on getting the colors exact, but I wanted the right values and as I said texture.

      Delete
  4. I am liking the start of this and hope you get time to paint more soon. I know your schedule is hectic and you still find time to paint - and golf :) Hey, you have to enjoy yourself and do what you want to do sometimes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rhonda. I've said before, one of if not THE first thing I think about every morning I wake up is painting. Somehow that doesn't translate to the easel because I always find something else to take me away from it. That is partially due to the fact that once I start, it's hard to put the brush down, and it's made me late for work more than a few times. Also, to be honest, the practice fairway (which is free at my local golf course) is usually wide open early, so on my days off I find myself drawn to the free practice with the intention of dividing it up. That never works, because by the time I get back I'm ready for a nap....So now you know the details of why I don't MAKE enough time to paint. I have to find a better way somehow, I just don't know yet what that is. Golf is expensive, and free practice as opposed to paying for range balls is very hard to pass up. One day I might realize that golf hates me, and art loves me, and the choice will be simple.

      Delete