my first ever portrait painting

[sbotu]

For years I told myself that I could not do portraits so I have avoided them.
I have now decided that anything is possible so have been giving them a try.
This is of my daughter Claire age one at the beach.
Needless to say she is my favourite subject at the moment.

I have done some sketches of various people I know but this is the only painting so far.

[Menolly]

She is so cute! For a first try with portrait painting, this is pretty awesome. Portraits are my weakness, too, so I'm doubly impressed. Good work!

[oilpainter2247]

very nice work indeed for your first one ............wow very nice and this is so darn cute of a painting too...nice work keep it up .mike

[sbotu]

Thanks for the positive comments.
Now I feel inspired to do more.

[Singular]

This is an excellent painting, even if it was your hundredth one. It kind of reminds me of the type of style that one of our community members, Brian, paints. He does mostly scenic work, but the
ush stroke style and feel are very similar. If you get a moment, check out his work. It is very impressive. http://asingularcreation.com/Gallery/th ... y&uid=4543

all the best,
Joe

[sbotu]

thanks so much for the lovely comments. It's really appreciated.

[Coda]

You did a nice job with the lighting and the form. Love the Pampers hanging down low...so true so true...lol

[sbotu]

Spoken like someone who has kids!

[bpier]

For a first portrait, this is very impressive. I've always avoided portraits. probably for the same reason. This has inspired me to give it a try.
Brian

[Erika Takacs]

Very nice work indeed.

[sbotu]

Thank you so much for the compliments - it's really appreciated.

[rrsum]

This is really, really good! Well done! I wish my first attempt at wildlife was as great as your first portrait attempt!

Keep up the great work!

[BYart]

Claire is a doll! And you have shown that not only CAN you do portraits, but you do them very well!
Congratulations on pushing yourself out of your comfort zone...the result is amazing! Bravo!

[sbotu]

Thank you Barb and Rich for your inspiring comments.
Here is something interesting - I tried a second portrait of her, but decided to cheat and trace an outline first from the original photo and then do the painting. Well you know what? It didn't work, the picture came out stilted and lacking in life and spirit, so I guess I will go back to free hand from now on.
I guess there really are no shortcuts in art, if you want to be good eventually you have to do it the hard way.

[bergina]

Beautiful work Karen
I love the delicate use of light.
Al

[sbotu]

Thank you Bergina

May I say your realism paintings are superb - I tried realism once and that was the last time - I just don't have the patience.
It must take you ages to finish one painting.

Karen

[BYart]

Thank you Barb and Rich for your inspiring comments.
Here is something interesting - I tried a second portrait of her, but decided to cheat and trace an outline first from the original photo and then do the painting. Well you know what? It didn't work, the picture came out stilted and lacking in life and spirit, so I guess I will go back to free hand from now on.
I guess there really are no shortcuts in art, if you want to be good eventually you have to do it the hard way.

Yes, creating from the heart is only accomplished, in my opinion, when your heart guides the creation, not by tracing.
Of course I know some won't agree, but I feel, as you have found...creativity comes from our heart, guides our hands and fills with life. Tracing doesn't alllow the heart to guide. Does that make sense?

[sbotu]

Yes Barb, I think you are right, I also think it is why I don't like commissions, I need to be moved to paint a subject not have it dictated to me.

[ArtConsultant]

model, the first portrait painting, really?? well done the colors you used are very difficult to use and it turned out great!

[sbotu]

Thanks for your comments.