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Virginia Branch · 03-18-2002, 08:43 PM

Thanks very much, Margaret for your critique! I am glad that you liked it.

I have a digital camera that I use quite frequently to shoot subjects for painting. My son and I went outside Saturday afternoon and I had him pose for me. It took about 20 shots to find the right one. He can barely stay still for photos so I rarely paint him from life (unless I bribe him with money!). I then printed it off my computer and went from there. The actual painting is only an 8 x 10 and took about 3 hours start to finish.

I couldn't have done a painting like this a year ago. I have been fortunate enough to take some classes at the Scottsdale Artists' School. My experience with oils was very limited. Also, I study other artists' works, their style etc. So, the only "tip" is as Karin Wells advocates in a recent post...practice!

Try making yourself paint a complete portrait in a certain amount of time. It forces you to make quick decisions. The more you do this the better you'll get. If you do it, let me know how it works.

03-18-2002, 08:43 PM	#7
Virginia Branch Associate Member Joined: Dec 2001 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 92	Thanks very much, Margaret for your critique! I am glad that you liked it. I have a digital camera that I use quite frequently to shoot subjects for painting. My son and I went outside Saturday afternoon and I had him pose for me. It took about 20 shots to find the right one. He can barely stay still for photos so I rarely paint him from life (unless I bribe him with money!). I then printed it off my computer and went from there. The actual painting is only an 8 x 10 and took about 3 hours start to finish. I couldn't have done a painting like this a year ago. I have been fortunate enough to take some classes at the Scottsdale Artists' School. My experience with oils was very limited. Also, I study other artists' works, their style etc. So, the only "tip" is as Karin Wells advocates in a recent post...practice! Try making yourself paint a complete portrait in a certain amount of time. It forces you to make quick decisions. The more you do this the better you'll get. If you do it, let me know how it works.