I painted the first image of Jack Michael, Avery Rose's brother, yesterday in watercolor. I think it came out well, except the photo is imperfect (too dark on the left hand side) due to my using a not great camera and not having the proper light set up for taking photos of artwork. The second image is not a duplicate. I had the artist who commissioned the work look at the painting in my Artid photo gallery and she said I had painted the face too wide, so I narrowed the face by painting more hair. I decided not to rework the colors of the face because I would have to create a whole new palette as the one I was using was all dried up. That's the advantage and drawback of using acrylic, it dries quickly. I think the second version does look more like Avery, but I feel as if I'm not quite capturing her essence. I decided today to try and paint a watercolor of the same photograph of Avery to see if I could get a better likeness, but no luck. I also worked on another watercolor of Jack, but that didn't come out either. And I started a new acrylic painting of Avery and Jack hugging each other. That one has some promise, but I have to be patient. I struggled to get an accurate skin tone today. Sometimes (too often) it is hard for me to identify what color I'm looking at when it comes to skin, so I don't know what colors to choose from my palette. The skin is made up of many subtly combined colors, the trick is to not either use just one color or use too many colors. Today I was using too many colors and left the painting unresolved. So, all in all, a frustrating day of painting compared to the success of the day before.
I smoked yesterday and drank too much coffee and stayed up all night painting. After I got up this afternoon, I returned to painting. I didn't smoke, but wanted to. I didn't take my own advice--I didn't read my addiction book or go online for support. Several people at Woofmang.com suggested that I quit now instead of waiting another week, but I didn't respond to them because I felt ashamed of choosing to smoke. I didn't continue with the Freedom From Smoking program today either. Instead I painted and felt frustrated with it and a little lonely. I did say out loud, "I can quit smoking." but my heart wasn't in it. When I smoke and don't do the prep work to quit I get pulled into the addiction and I start to worry that I won't be able to stop. But enough, I must be patient with myself and keep trying.
3 comments:
Kate,
About the painting of Avery. The first one you did was more vibrant with colors to me. However, I think when a painter paints portraits for others it is tricky. Since you are painting if for another, that person has their viewpoint and may not necessarily click with what the artist sees. For instance, I once drew did a watercolor and the woman liked it, but commented "Do I look that fat?' So, I slimmed her down a bit. The face was too wide? You are not dealing only with your artistic vision, but the client's.
As far as the smoking goes, I believe that you have the willpower and in due time you will quit.
Nancy
I like your work. Well done Kate for doing it. You are doing so well and also believe that you will quit smoking.
J.P
Hi Kate,
Your artwork is just beautiful.
I will try to mail you a photo in December, I have your address.
One thing:
Be aware that it takes multiple times to quite smoking. My mother relapsed in her addiction to cigarettes at least three times before quitting for good.
You can do it, so keep at it.
I'm enjoying your art and your blog.
Cheers,
Chris
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