painting people

It is very difficult to paint people all evening after working with them all day. Somehow friends think because I look at people all day that painting human models will be easy. I wonder where they get that idea. Yes I took multiple anatomy and human physiology classes to earn a Master Degree in Science, however, painting people is quite a unique challenge. Once in the room and set up, I watch others set up, and wait for the model to arrive. As we chat about our weeks the fatique of the day lifts with the anticipation of the evenings session. Soon the creative energy in the room becomes contagious, and I can focus in on the model. Forgetting about the stress of the day, I try to interpret what I see while applying past lessons. How does that go again? Paint what you see, not what you know? Or was it vice versa? Proper perspective dictates that I firmly place the person on the chair, and the chair on the floor to keep her from falling over.........It may be more fun if she does.

Get started

This is always a challenge. How can it be such a difficult choice to decide on what to paint next? Like a golf swing, everything must line up correctly to make a painting with a "wow" factor. The composition must be interesting. The focal point must be clear with at least 3 different values and well defined lights and shadows. The limited colors must harmonize, and work well together. Where did I put that color wheel this time? The lights are placed purposely and must move the eye around the painting to prevent getting stuck in one place. Edges must be firm , or bold to help define the story. Oh and there must BE a story! If painting from a photograph, the camera will sometimes distort, and the colors are not always well represented. The painting should look like a painting, not a photograph. Oh and then there is perspective...I bought a book that promised no pain while learning perspective, and I foolishly believed it. Try to draw groups of boxes with people on them. ugg ..Bottom line is the basis of a good painting is always the ability to execute a good drawing. I had alot of executions for sure, and learning to draw takes time and practice if your a science major as I am. Before you start, always to a thumbnail, work out the details and values before you begin the painting, or you will be struggling with how to finish the painting and may overwork it. Yikes .....now go get started