Tuesday, Mar. 6, 2007 - Portraits from Janet Rogers Workshop

I started 3 portraits in the 3-day workshop but none of these are finished, although I like them all so far. I am trying to paint more watery and pale - more romantic and soft than I usually do. I really want to loosen up and let the paint do its thing without overworking and "petting the paper" as my teacher, Sandy Maudlin says :)

First = from a photo I found in the Image Reference Library (IRL) at WetCanvas - the photographer ID was crias and this is titled Native Beauty.

Right now, I need to push the skintones a bit to compliment the hair, wrapped braids and collar more. Janet showed us how to do eyes to make them glow and sparkle and I think I got it.

Second = a live model, Cassie, she is 15 but I have made her look younger - with the next layer of color I think she'll age a few years. In this one so far, I'm most happy with the mouth because it isn't outlined or harsh looking but blended and soft.

Janet put the two models (both teenaged girls) in big floppy hats and soft romantic puffy sleeved tops and they looked wonderful. I think they enjoyed their new outfits, too, with long, flouncy skirts to go with their blouses.

I'd only done work with live models once before and this was a real treat. I was surprised at how many people didn't take advantage of the models, though, and only worked from photos they brought from home. I love photos but they just don't have the immediacy of the person in front of you, seeing the lights and shadows on their faces and their clothing. I'm hoping to do more of this locally, if I can find a class this spring.

Since I had to fly, I didn't take full sized sheets but used 1/4 sheets for all of the work done in the workshop.