A couple weeks ago our figure drawing group was working with one of our fabulous models, who has multiple tattoos and a head full of dreadlocks, ribbons and beads. She posed for a couple portrait shots for me.
I worked on a panel that had already seen a couple of failed paintings, and got a fresh coat of oil primer. When I primed it, I didn't worry about going all the way to the edges - I let a little bit of the previous layers hang around.
I worked on a panel that had already seen a couple of failed paintings, and got a fresh coat of oil primer. When I primed it, I didn't worry about going all the way to the edges - I let a little bit of the previous layers hang around.
This is the "alien" stage...just a quick indication of the size of the head and starting to mass in shadows.
Blocked in some large areas of color. I wanted the first few layers to be a bit more bold - I know I can always tone down the color, so I intentionally chose a more saturated orange
Considered the background, started playing around with blues and greens. Very little detail in the eyes. Mostly shadows.
A few indications of the dreads on the rights
I like this stage, where there are transparent and opaque layers of paint. Also, working on an oil primed panel, I can still wipe away a lot of paint
Getting a little closer to the skin tone, deeper shadows in the hair. The shadows and light across her forehead were difficult. I had to rework the area several times.
Deciding on a background color, and blocking in the rest of her shoulders. I am using just oil paint and a touch of thinner, no other medium. Rosemarie brushes all the way.
More interest added to the dreads, including some of the blue ribbon she has woven through her hair. I also toned down the highlights above her eyebrows, focusing more on the highlight on top of her forehead. Three highlights was too distracting
(20" x 16")
