I've been painting this piece under Whitaker's tutelage and I think it really shows. I'm very pleased with how this one turned out. I feel technically this is my best to date. I like the unfinished look at the bottom and plan to add a wash of the background color to unify and give the piece a "finished" look.

here's a combined look at all my progress shots~
cathyann-
ReplyDeleteI understand your dilema, I too struggle with finding a good background color for my portraits. Ideally, I would find a good neutral colored backdrop that went well(or complimented) with the sitter's flesh tones, but this portrait was painted from existing photographs so I wasn't able to do that. He had so many red tones in his face I decided to go with a green mixture(viridian+burnt umber)to compliment and pull down all the existing red in his face. I guess when in doubt, go with a complimentary color. :)
btw-thanks for the kind words about my work and good luck with your new studio project. That's very exciting to have a nice, new place to create!
The finished project is now at my sisters house and it is wonderful.
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