Vermeer assignment

Patricia Joyce · 10-12-2004, 10:08 AM

I am still working on the Girl with a Pearl copy for the painting class I am taking at the local community college. I see that I have some adjustments still to make in the basic "drawing" of the eyes (I lost some of the eye to our left, I see now), the nose and the mouth. Even the shape of the blue part of the turban (not shaped correctly to her skull).

However, my biggest struggle is with color. This is still a very thin layer and I am not sure how to go to the next "layer" especially on the shadow side. I am feeling confused about whether or not to use white in the shadows. I thought that was a no-no however the color seems so dark without it. My palette is from an article I was directed to from this forum and consists of titanium white, yellow ochre, raw sienna, raw umber, cobalt blue, venetian, vermilion, red ochre, ultramarine. According to this article I read there was no cobalt in the shadow of the face, however it seems that is what it is called for??

Help. I am trying to finish this this week so that it has some time to dry before I glaze the turban and the background (which were the only parts Vermeer glazed).

Thank you . . .

ps I know, I know, I should restrain from putting in highlights until I am finished. I fell prey to the temptation to see something "spark", I was getting so discouraged!! I have about 50 hours into this already!!

Kimberly Dow · 10-12-2004, 12:10 PM

Patricia - try posting the original painting by Vermeer here so we can look at the color.

Patricia Joyce · 10-12-2004, 01:09 PM

Dah!! What a good idea!!!

Patricia Joyce · 10-13-2004, 10:02 AM

I struggled on last night. The shadow side is still very light and undecided. I really need help with color mixing. And this morning the light side of the face looked pasty to me. I need to work on her right eye a bit more, but I am happy with her left eye so I am posting the close-up! REALLY struggling with the mouth especially the teeth. I know it has to be subtle, but everything I try they either look too prominent or as if she has grey teeth. HELP!!

Pat

ps My boyfriend says he watches me when I paint and I go far far away. I dreamed of her all night (after feeling wide awake when I put the brushes down!)

Patricia Joyce · 10-13-2004, 10:09 AM

This second posting is displayed much brighter than the first because it was photographed this morning and the first was photograhed at night under yellow light. I apologize for my photographic inconsistancies. Still, any advice on color and problem with painting that mouth would be appreciated . . .

Michele Rushworth · 10-13-2004, 10:16 AM

It's coming along Patricia. I can't comment on the color since there are so many variables in how you photographed your piece.

There are however some drawing issues that need to be corrected before you can move much farther. They'll help you with other problems you seem to be wrestling with.

The chin is much too pointy and there is too much reflected light under the jaw (a ver common problem -- reflected light is so fun to paint that it is often painted too light.)

The upper lip should be less curved, much straighter.

The outer edge of the face next to the far eye is shaped incorrectly and needs to come in more. There is too much space between the nose bridge and the outer edge of the face there. Once you have that space defined correctly I think you'll find the eye will be easier to get right.

The nose seems too long.

Hope that helps!

Patricia Joyce · 10-13-2004, 10:42 AM

Yes, Michelle, this does help. I will try to get a picture that is more reflective of the true color - if that is possible. I feel daft with my camera still... In the meantime I see what you are pointing out clearly now. Helps so much to have another set of eyes looking at her.

Thank you!

Terri Ficenec · 10-13-2004, 12:23 PM

re: her teeth... don't be afraid to go a bit darker. The teeth are afterall recessed behind those barely open lips. (Squint at the reference and notice how they dissappear into the shadow, how much darker they should be than the highlight on her lip, for instance)

In the reference image that you posted the color looks like it's got some red in it to me. If you are working from a photo/image reference, you might try covering it with a clear plastic sheet (like saran wrap) and dabbing a bit of the color you are mixing over the reference. If it is right, it'll blend right in. If not, you'll have an idea of how it might need to be adjusted (darker/lighter, a little bit more of some color...) This works best if you know that the rest of the colors on the image are fairly true to the reference...

This is coming along very nicely! You wouldn't know it's your first effort with painting!

Patricia Joyce · 10-13-2004, 03:47 PM

What a good idea with the saran wrap. I will definately try that...thanks for other advice too. Will be working on all of it and yes, the teeth, too. Wish me well. I can only hope to progress as quickly as you have.