On the contrary, Garth. That's a delightful study of light, and captures the essence of your sitter with understated panache.

Garth, thanks, I'm glad you like it. I was playing with the idea of the artist approaching the canvas, thus the canvas' point of view, and the viewer's ambiguity--the "Is she about to paint me or paint on me?" feeling.

Your sketch shows a different side (literally) of me and I think you captured me well. My husband likes my profile, probably because I am not fixing my intense stare on him, and so he really liked your painting, too. Folks, it literally took him about 20 minutes tops. I'm begging you, PLEASE post it in the Open Studio section so people can comment further!

Janet, so you think it has "retina burn?" I'd be thrilled to think so. It means I could actually use my natural instensity to some advantage!
Anyway, thank you for sharing that. I really, really appreciate your comment.

Haha! It's easy for Heidi to be fairless : she's playing all the day long in the clay ! :sunnysmil

True, clay is a LOT messier. I think I would have to wear at least an old shirt and an apron if I were a sculptor. But at least it washes off!

Alexandra, this is an awesome self portrait. Grate balance. I can imagine the fun you had doing this. I bet you spent many hours just thinking about the stages and your approach. Its so much fun when you can make your thoughts happen and sometimes it comes out better than we thought. Its nice when your best friend is your biggest admirer.

Thank you for posting this Alex.

Sincere regards,
mischa

Thanks, Mischa! I did give it a lot of thought and yet it was still a surprise in the end. I guess everything I paint has an element of surprise. I appreciate what you say--you are such an accomplished artist yourself.

Yeah, for me it did have "retina burn". Keep in mind that I look at several forums each night and very few stick. PS when you find a way to use your natural intensity, let my know. I could use an outlet...
Janet

PAINTING, PAINTING, AND MORE PAINTING!