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| I had the portrait at this stage, and called the owner over to see what she thought of it so far. She said it was a very good likeness of Trigger, but ... Kim did not want to criticize my work. I had to worm it out of her - she wanted the background darker to really show him off. I had not taken Kim as being dramatic - NEVER assume! |
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| I did one w/w wash, using 2 mixtures of ultramarine blue, quin. red and quin. burnt orange. I let it dry and set for a day. I thought it was too blue and needed to be darker, so ... |
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| I did another w/w wash with a purply-gray made of the same 3 pigments. I believe it is darker and grayer than it appears here, but the ultramarine is so overpowering, that's all you can see. Now that the background is dark, I can go in and darken Trigger's features and shadows. That was another of Kim's queries. As always, your comments are most welcome. |
You paint so magically. We think you are amazing,
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
I think you can't really discuss taste, the painting is fabulous, but I prefer the first more soft version, but with the darkening of the features it is surely going to turn out just fine. My faith in you is immense :-)
ReplyDeleteWith commissions, you are always on tenterhooks!..To me, earlier it was looking bright and breezy.darkening the background could make it dull- unless you decide to go very bold and do the darkest background( like Crystal Cook does to her portraits)....its your call ( and the client's)Best if luck!
ReplyDeleteI seem to have missed your last fabulous leaf post! Oops! Sorry about that!
ReplyDeleteWow - that darker background really does push the horse forward - a great move! And of course because the background is stronger, what was originally the right tone within the shadows of the horse need strengthening up like you said - but it's going to be a fabulous result :0)
Your plan is a good one. Trigger needs to be brought forward with more definition, shading, of his features. I like the darkened background. It adds drama.
ReplyDeleteYour plan is a good one. Trigger needs to be brought forward with more definition, shading, of his features. I like the darkened background. It adds drama.
ReplyDeleteThe background makes him really stand out. You have conveyed both his delicacy and strength at the same time. Great job Kathy!
ReplyDeleteKathryn, I think you are so fabulous at these horses!! Wow. I like the soft and the darker both. I agree with you on darkening his features, but just enough for some definition. I know they will be very pleased with the result!
ReplyDeleteReally love this one -- you have captured her graceful expression so vividly! The subtle gradation on her neck and muzzle is beautifully done -- what did you use to produce the subtle grey?
ReplyDeleteLove this portrait. In fact I loved the first one. The back ground wash in the second and third has helped him stand out of course, but as you said it has reduced the strength of the tones which were used on his body. Go ahead do that and it will be a winner, not that it is not already.
ReplyDeleteI, personally, love the first version only because it looks so much softer...but we really want the client to be happy!! It's a beautiful portrait, Kathryn!!
ReplyDeleteHello Kathryn:) I think Kim was right about the background. Trigger comes out so beautiful with this dark background. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteI had to come look again- I love both versions- but the first one looks more mystical to me. But their both so pretty- I cannot decide. Its like saying do you like this kind of chocolate or that kind.
ReplyDeleteIt just depends on so much,,,, and you have the talent to make them both look magical.
love
tweedles
Hi Kathryn, well he was gorgeous before and delicate but I think the darker background will be good. He stands out more and it's going to be gorgeous this way too, Beautiful work, love to you,Diana
ReplyDeleteAs previously stated, the original version is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBut I personally like the darker background. Once the features are strengthened to match, this will be a portrait with power.
I'm a sucker for value contrast.