Portrait Study in Black and White

On a weekend full of portrait study, it is so fun to try different colors and techniques!  Here I laid down the planes with ivory black and titanium white, adding the tiniest bit of ultramarine blue.  I arrived with my plein air set up, but am now wishing I had a few more soft brushes.  I use a lot of heavy duty workhorse brushes (Princeton Catalysts) in the field for my daily work, and only had a couple of Rosemary brushes in this box.  A softer, lighter brush is better for blending where desired. I find that I like leaving plenty of brushwork and strong strokes untouched.  This portrait journey is going to be SO FUN!  Painting number 2876 in 2876 days. 

Looking Down the Katy Trail

The artist in me LOVES exploring new towns.  My first trip to Rocheport finds me rising before the sun to paint as much as possible before focusing on portraiture for the rest of the day!  I'm invigorated by painting en plein air - no matter how little sleep I get nor how little I've eaten. The simple act of putting paint to panel or paper makes me feel so alive.  Why waste a minute?  I'll catch up on sleep and food when I get back home! Painting number 2875 in 2875 days. 

Rocheport Depot

Here for an artist weekend of portraiture study, I simply can't resist my gorgeous surroundings!  Out at first light, I am squeezing in as many ink and watercolor paintings as I can before returning to my all day portrait study!  Love this historic small town and I can't wait to return with my oils to capture more of it's beauty!  Painting number 2874 in 2874 days. 

Katy Trail B&B

I am staying in Rocheport for the first time for an artist weekend, and this Katy Trail B&B has been a wonderful place to land.  The charm of this sweet place is right down my alley- so of course I had to paint it!  After a day full of portrait work, it was great to get out in the fresh air.  I sketched this with ink on handmade cotton paper, then added watercolor from my travel half pans.  This town is so full of vintage scenes - I wish I had more plein air time!  I will definitely return for more plein air and biking, too!  Painting number 2873 in 2873 days. 

Dean

 

This weekend finds me working on my portrait skills in oils!  Joining 7 other artists in the charming town of Rocheport, I've spent today in the Community Hall.  I'm hoping to complete 6 portraits, honing my skills in the process.  I've already learned something very valuable - I can breath life into a portrait by working from a black and white reference photo, working in the color organically.  Who knew?  I plan to really delve into portraits during the winter months, so this weekend is meant to kick start that process.  Thanks, Nyle! This historic district is amazing, simply filled with vintage buildings - all calling to me to paint!  Oh how I wish I had several plein air days scheduled!  So, I'm sketching before and after the scheduled portrait hours, and will certainly return for more work in oils one day.  Painting number 2872 in 2872 days.