Ilaria,

What is the title of the book by John Norton? I am not familiar yet with him. I admire what you seem to have learned from this author.

Garth

I painted directly on linen that I sized with three coats of rabbitskin glue, to keep that wonderful umber colour of the raw canvas. It also doesn't make me anxious about covering the whole canvas asap.

Following some threads found here, I just finished to size new canvases with acrylic size made from PVA glue, but I had a hard time stretching it.

I am trying them next week and let you know!
I.

Norton's book
 

Garth, that's Painting and Drawing Children. I got it on Amazon. He's a bit seventies in style but does have many good tips
I.

I think I remember borrowing this book from the local library in the late seventies. It's all coming back now.

Garth

Congratulations Ilaria. I am happy that you were able to make it over to this site and deservedly so. I remember seeing these works while in progress and think you resolved the background issue appropriately to link all three portraits harmoniously. Again, your choice of poses have given each child individuality and character. Very nice work.

David Bottoni

Long time no see
 

Thank you David, it's nice to meet you again!
I have been on these for ages, can't wait to move on. How is your little girl portrait?
I might post again soon in the wip a new portrait I am working on, if you stumble upon it let me know what you think
I.

Triple Treat!
 

These make an excellent argument in favor of individual portraits rather than a group. You've achieved so much in each one and even more as a triptych.

My only general comment would be to make a commitment to your light source and shadow patterns even if the photo masses things a bit...

Brava!

Tryptich
 

Thank you Jeanine.

I always end up painting separate portraits of brothers and sisters. The main reason is that one day they can be given to each of the children. Also on a higher level the individual is painted rather as himself than as someone's brother. The family group on the other side has dynamic tensions that can make the composition more interesting.

About the lighting issue I must say this is the first painting whose photo I took with my own lighting equipment, and I think my lamps were too strong, making too much light and loosing all the middle tones.

I have to try again but the light in England is so lovely now that I will stick to natural light until October!

I saw your website and liked the polo paintings very much. I did some painting of horses so I know what a difficult subject they are!
Ilaria