11 x 14 - oil on stretched canvas
Meet my sister-in-law, Monte. Her nickname is Sunshine and, while she now lives in central North Carolina, she is a "beach girl" at heart! A guest bath in her home is decorated with a beach-theme and she heads to the shore every chance she gets! This is another in the "Shades" series. My intent to showcase the shadow holes from the brim of the straw hat so attractive in the reference photo, - didn't work!! So, painted over the face which muted the stripes leaving a few "dots" for interest around her eye and mouth. This is much looser than I usually work...even used a palette knife on her shirt and the surf! I my revisit this little painting in the future, but for now will put it aside to look at later with a fresh eye. Monte's motto is "Keep Looking Up" and I hope she likes this interpretation of her reverent and fun-loving spirit!
You have got the sunshine right.Lovely painting.
ReplyDeleteMy jaw dropped when you wrote this was looser than your usual. I had just finishing studying those perfectly placed dots of light on "Sunshine's" face. This is gorgeous and wonderful tribute to Monte.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful portrait. Her 'sunshiny' personality is shining through.
ReplyDeleteRishi, Sheila and Nancy, thanks so very much! I'm starting to feel better about the painting now! Sheila, I use tiny brushes and want so badly to get a big brush and thick paint and "go for it"! Monte has no idea I've painted this little portrait of her! I sent an email and suggested she visit my blog! She is a big supporter of my work - a cheer leader - so it was time that I painted her!
ReplyDeleteOh Rosemary!! This is absolutely gorgeous! I love the little sunspots on her forehead from the holes in the hat. They are perfect. That ocean looks fabulous, the sand makes me want to run my toes through it. Just lovely and I know Monte will love this!
ReplyDeleteThis painting is done, Rosemary! No need to revisit. I'm sure Monte will agree, also.
ReplyDeleteSherry, you are so kind! Thanks so much for the lovely comments! I'm eager to hear from Monte! While the reference photo was taken on the Atlantic side of Florida, I used the Gulf water colors since that's where we live! I'm glad it looks inviting!
ReplyDeleteOh - Thank you, Pat! All of you have made me feel much more confident with this one! I think I'll sign it! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a terrific painting, Rosemary. It doesn't need a thing! Makes me want to be in a beach chair soaking up the sun!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful portrait Rosemary. You rendered the sunshine through the hat perfectly, IMHO. I am always intrigued when paintings depict the capturing of light and you've accomplished that here. Great job.
ReplyDeletetalk about late.. here i am..LOL first i want to say how much i love your hubbys portrait.. handsome looking guy!! and sunshine is so full of life... and so much a beach gal in this.. you got them both spot on.. wow you are sooooo good kiddo!!! way to go rosemary!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Claire, Lokelani and Cindi! I'm happy you think the painting has captured Monte's love for the beach! She does radiate sunshine to everyone she meets! Her computer was giving her trouble but today she finally saw the portrait and I would say she's speechless - but that's never happened with our Monte! She was just so surprised that she was the subject of a painting. She is going to call us tonight! I think she likes it!
ReplyDeleteCindi, I appreciate your comments on Frank's portrait! Thanks - just so glad I got that darn cap painted to his satisfaction! :-)
ReplyDeleterose,
ReplyDeletei clicked on the picture to have a close look at it...
beautiful...
you have achieved the desired effects...
picture of frank is fantastic...
the shade on the face is depicted beautifully...
the sunlight on the jaw is fine...
congrats...
Thank Jyo, It's great hearing that the light and shade in the piece work! It's always a struggle and it helps getting feedback from blogging art friends! I appreciate your input!
ReplyDeleteThis and your previous painting are simply amazing, Rosemary! The composition, colors (especially flesh tones), and detail are beautiful and so impressive. But the way the spirit and personality of your subjects shines through is your true achievement in these pieces--your love for each of these people shows!
ReplyDeleteDear Friend, you are an amazing portrait painter. I love this one , too.You captured that sunny feeling. Silvia
ReplyDeleteMary and Silvia, Wow! You two know how to inspire! Thank you both so much for your comments! Mary, I struggle with flesh tones and hope painting the same flesh in both sun and shadow is helping me see the little nuances that can give life or take it away! Silvia, your words give me a "sunny feeling"!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great portrait, Rosemary. You did an absolutely wonderful job with the hat and the spots of light on her face created by her hat.
ReplyDeleteEdward, thanks so much! She really likes it and that was my goal! I really appreciate your comments!
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