Threshold
 

24" x 18" Oil on New Traditions L600 linen

I created the source photographs for this painting by using a single light source, about 4' above my subject's head, shining directly down on her. The light was a 6500 Kelvin bulb, so the temperature was relatively cool.

This is an age I love to paint, where the subject is part child part woman. It's a very beautiful time in children's lives.

Chris,
This is one of my favorites! Beautiful work. She makes for a wonderful model :) I like the pose, the colors - everything. Thanks for sharing.
Virginia

A newly unfold flower facing the sun. Thanks for showing it.

Allan

Chris, she is beautiful, is this your daughter? It looks alot like the other little girls you have painted, only not so little anymore!

Chris,

I'm a real fan of your artwork. What I like about this piece and others is your treatment of edges. That little "glow" that's created by the small tones surrounding here and there is what, I believe, adds to your portraits in making them come to life.

Beautifully captured! And, such a beautiful young lady.....at this "threshold" between child and graceful woman.

Geary

Wow!
 

Chris,

WOW! What an absolutely stunning portrait!

Joan

Chris,

One of the loveliest pieces I have seen you do and one of the loveliest pieces ever unveiled on the Forum. The design of the painting is so simple and effective.

Chris,

This is absolutely gorgeous!! It looks effortless and elegant, and the use of color is something I will be studying.

Chris, I think this is your best yet -- Bravo!

This is so **** beautiful.

The word I'm using sounds like the Hoover Dam.

Beautiful painting, model and pose. I love those vibrant flesh tones. One of my favorites also.

Thank you all for such nice comments. I ahve been working hard to get my photographic resources under control, and it makes everything SO much easier when you can see what you're doing.

nice work

I find the cold colors on the hair are really successful

Chris, I love this. The slightly emphasized lines in some areas ( her near shoulder, her back, the shadow under her right hand as it lies on her arm ) give this heightened energy and interest. Beautiful portrait!

Leslie

Awesome, Chris. Is this the one I saw in progress at the Farmer's Market (where Chris demonstrates here in Phoenix)? Great profile view!

Sincerely,

Definitely my new favorite Chris Saper painting!

So glad you're getting so many well deserved hurrays. You deserve all of them.

I agree. This is your best so far. Good going!

Simply beautiful Chris,
Thanks for posting it here for our enjoyment. I find it interesting that the ear, even though it truly is red, works well with the rest of the painting. I would love to sculpt that face!

Chris, can you tell me what the shape is behind her back. I've been staring at it and trying to figure it out. Is it a sash, or a shadow?

Michele,

Despite my best efforts at Photoshop, I still have darks blocked up a bit, but the dress is just a length of fabric grabbed into a bustle-like sash at the back.

Here are some of the interim steps in this painting:

First, the oil sketch;

Second, the pure patches of color (& detail) a la Whitaker ;

Beginning to define shapes, drawing and color

And the final detail. I continue to correct the image all the way to the end.

Chris,
I think it's great to see some of your process! What is your palette on this painting?

I like seeing the progress shots also, Thank you Chris. As always this one is beautiful too.

Jean

Beautiful work, Chris!

Very captivating portrait Chris, nicely done.

Seeing a work of the experienced portraitist is always an opportunitiy to learn.
I particularly like the interplay of warm and cool hues on this one.

Chris -- this is beautiful! The close up detail and process photos are really helpful in understanding how you brought so much vitality to her. I'd love to see a close up of that hand on her arm as well!

I have deleted my remarks from the previous post. (I haven't been here for a while and I forgot about "no crits" warning.)
:cool:

Wonderful painting! I love the atmosphere and character that you've captured. Bravo!

Renee Price