Monday, August 16, 2010

A CHALLENGE FOR MYSELF

Every time I paint a portrait, I know I need more experience in painting portraits. But I just go off and do something else. Well, how do you get better at something: you do it more often. Just ask any musician, dancer or artist.

So I'm creating my own personal challenge to myself to paint more portraits. Now, I'm NOT going to say I'll do a portrait a day because I know that's not reasonable for me. So maybe

One Week = One Portrait.

And, knowing me, it won't be the only thing I paint in a week but it won't pressure me so much I'll give up early. I want this challenge to last for a month or two...or three.

We'll see...wish me luck with a good helping of determination.


And I'm using this one as Portrait One:
(Hope you still like it, Teresa!)



16 comments:

debwardart said...

Looks good to me - good luck with the challenge!!!

Christiane Kingsley said...

Rhonda, I am sure that Theresa will be very happy with her portrait. And good for you for setting up this challenge for yourself. I think that it will be thrilling for all of us who faithfully follow your blog!

Vicki Greene said...

I will be watching you as you improve but I really like what you have done with this one. Excellent start on your challenge.

Carol King said...

What an exciting challenge. I can't wait to see all the portraits you're gonna do.

Cathy Gatland said...

This is a great start to your personal portrait challenge, lovely strong composition and colours to go with that direct gaze. I wish you all you wish yourself with them, and will watch with interest!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Deb, Christiane, Vicki, Carol and Cathy! You are such a supportive group for me and I SO appreciate it!!! You know you'll get to see the good right along with the BAD - so be warned :)

Ann Buckner said...

Rhonda, I think it is one of your better portraits and no doubt Teresa will love it. A fine challenge you set for yourself and I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

Nick said...

I like that portrait because it doesn't look as though you were trying to make it perfect...that's the downfall of so many paintings, especially portraits. Perfection is for obsessive compulsive clean freaks and illustrators. We're artists!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Ann :)

Nick, I'm not sure what perfect means, especially in my art, so no trying for that...just trying to get it close to a resemblance with maybe a bit of artistic license thrown in...I'm sure I'll grow into that the more I do.

Teresa Palomar Lois said...

I like it indeed! and I'm thrilled to be the first subject for your new series/challenge, brilliant idea and I'm sure you'll get a lot out of it

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

I like this one, Rhonda. It's lively and I like the shapes within shapes. Can't wait to see what's next :)

RH Carpenter said...

Teresa, my dear, your face is such a work of art I have to keep trying!!

Thanks, Pam, I think that's what I like about it too - the shapes and shadow play across the face.

Teresa Palomar Lois said...

LOL! fist time I hear that XD but of course I'm loving being your model, I'm at your service anytime!

RH Carpenter said...

Send me any new photos you have, Teresa. You're a good model - better than the artist!! How close do you live to Javier Bardem???

laura said...

Gorgeous--I love the skintones and the hair, and the abstracty or color-field feeling of the background!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Laura. I was happy with this one. Not perfect but pretty good :)