Babushka
 

Just finished this one. I actually started this one before Diana but got tired of it and put it away - not really intending to finish it. It was done on unsanded paper and I didn't like the feel of it - especially after experiencing the very nice, sanded paper that I used for Diana. So I forced myself to finish this one in spite of my lack of motivation. I always liked the way the face was coming along, but everything else was pure tedium.

I took the photo of this woman at the same market where I photographed the old man in Tak! Ukraine - I think the two were together, probably husband and wife. I think she has the greatest face/expression, but - again! - not the greatest reference photo - light-wise.

Pastel, approx. 17 X 20" on Twinrocker (Cornflower blue).

David, I love it...I love it...I love it....!

You know I am a sucker for old folks and you did this painting of her with such sensitivity and skill. I have to stop writing so I can have another look. Just stunning!

Ok, I took a look at the gentleman as well (I had missed that post). Wau, just beautiful!

How did you create the texture in her head cover? It looks like a soft knit and must have taken hours to do.

Oh David... ! This is another knockout, such beautiful sensitivity on this. Your edges are lovely here. (I am really starting to love diffused light conditions). Congratulations on another wonderful piece.

I want to have a cup of tea with this lady and then go shopping for vegetables with her!
This is wonderful. Your lack of motivation does not show at all. I think you got the lighting to really work for you in the pose and composition. Beautiful.

Another marvelous work David, I loved the colors, details, everything!

Thanks for sharing that with us.

David,

This is such a wonderful sensitive piece. Your textures are just amazing.

That is just stunning - wow.

Dear David,

What a completely beautiful job. Beautiful color and edges, the modeling is really oustanding.

Congratulations on a lovely, successful piece!

I second everything that's already been said here about your peice. Thank goodness you decided to finish it - it's a an absolute treat to look at.

Linda

I read your amazingly self-deprecating intro to this, scrolled down to the painting and said "Holy smokin'" out loud. I am currently completely alone in the house and not given to talking to myself. Holy wow.

David - Wow! Those wrinkles are just gorgeous.

Wow! Such sensitivity!
 

David,

Again, you blow us all away with the most sensitively rendered portraits ever! Can anyone do this almost as well?

You are amazing, not only for your fine talent and technical virtuosity, but that this one pierces the heart with it's emotional content, just as all your works do.

Kudos,

Garth

How great thou artist
 

David, will you marry me? Oops! I mean, what a spectacularly gorgeous painting! I love it. How great to paint such a beautiful and character-filled face. How great to paint it will such tender attention. How great that I get to see it. How great thou artist. LOL. I made a funny but I am serious as well. You knock me out. I've fallen and I can't get up. Wow-a-google. I read you are a teacher? Please teach me. Hurry.

Hello,
your paint is simply..beautiful..the skin is perfect..she lives.Do you have some photos from work in progress? I think that is important to see the evolution of a paint to take secrets of development.

Bye, luca.

MY GOSH David, that is simply stunning, if only I could do the same :thumbsup: !

Wow, thank you all for the kind and generous comments. It was so nice to wake up this morning to all this response! You've made my day!

Enzie, Like you, I love to render old people's faces. Always such character - I just feed off it. The scarf did take me hours (and hours and hours...). The reference photo showed every little detail in the scarf - all the various patterns, stitches - I realized early on that it was going to be counter-productive to try to render every little detail (it would certainly take away from the face). I tried a more "impressionist" approach with the scarf, and it seemed to work fairly well. Thanks for the kind words!

Brenda, I too would love to have tea with her, buy vegetables together, and then: Take a slew of photos with a better camera and with a controlled lighting situation. What a marvellous face she has.

Linda, I'm glad I finished it. I have a tendency to lose interest in a work before it's completed - I sometimes just get tired of looking at it. But I try to hold fast to my "rule" that if it's worth starting, it's worth finishing. I have to force myself sometimes. Thanks!
Sure!...but I think we should run it by your husband first. (And how many kids did you say you have?)

Luca, Thanks so much. No, sorry, I didn't take photos of the work in progress. I should do that next time.

Gorgeous, David! When I opened this thread the first iimage I saw was the middle one, closely cropped, and I thought that was the whole painting.

Beautiful! I feel like I was right there observing the way the light falls on her.

Thank you Michele and Julie, you're very kind. You know, after finishing off this one, I'm feeling ready (finally) to get into doing oil portraits - a new world for me. I've got a few canvases ready to go - I just need some good references. I feel a bit unsure of myself - as in: I don't know what I'm doing :bewildere - but I'm sure with all the resources here on the Forum (not to mention all the positive, loving support and encouragement of all these great artists - like yourselves!!) in time I'll figure it out. Thanks a bunch!

David,

I wish that I knew some words of appraisal that was not already used on this beautiful pastel. You deserve every one and more.

I think that pastel is a powerful discipline and not second to oil-painting, but I will look forward to your attempts on the canvas.

She reminds me of my own grandma in that coat and scarf and the mild determent gaze.

Allan

Add another 'wow' to the list. I'd like to see what this would have looked like if you were motivated!

David, great! Just think of the old woman in the shoe and that will give you an idea of what you're getting. That's not a problem is it? I'll pack my stuff today. ;)

Again, this is a stunning pastel. I am so anxious to see what you do in oil that it's scary.

Hi David,

You never cease to amaze me!!!! Just amazing!!!!

My own pastel experience turned out to be a disaster. :( You're definitely one of my favourite artists here.

Allan, I agree - and I look forward to my attempts at oil painting (I've got a canvas stretched and ready!). I'm sure it will feel like going three steps backward, as I really don't know what I'm doing. Thanks!

Thanks Jimmie. From one whose work ALWAYS knocks me out, I really appreciate your comments.

Lisa, I'm beginning to think that there should be an internet dating site - specifically for portrait artists. I think there is a need....Cynthia? :)

Isabel. Firstly: DITTO Your work is fabulous - it's always a treat to see your posts. And secondly: Thanks!! :)

David,

So beautiful.....

Jean