Painting II

This semester I am enrolled in my second painting course!  I can't seem to get enough of the studio hours.  Our first major assignment was to work on a portrait painting using a color blocking technique.  Students could use any style from tiny dots (which I chose) to grid-like blocks.  It was pretty interesting to watch our paintings develop.  There was a point where I thought, How is this ever going to look like a person! Somehow it all came together!

I wasn't sure exactly what, or really who, I wanted to paint... I went looking for an iconic image and found Marilyn Monroe!

I took some pictures along the way to show how the image developed:

 When I began the painting I was REALLY nervous to paint the face... so I avoided it at all costs!

I really like that the colors making the painting work are ones that you would not THINK to find in a portrait painting.  I used green, blue, yellow and red throughout the skin tone and that is absolute what makes it look more realistic!

With the body complete I really couldn't put off the face any longer.  

The face wasn't quite as scary as I thought it would be... although I did make it a little too long!  I knew if I did the dress in the same style as her body and face it would completely overpower the painting so I went with a different technique.  I have reworked the folds of the dress since and I promise to take a picture of that next time I am in the studio!

 Tomorrow I leave for Florida! Everyone is finishing mid terms and trying to make it through the week.  I am looking forward to some rest and relaxation.

Best Wishes & Sunshine,

Haley