Portrait Painting

I have been having a good time with painting fuzzy animals in loose watercolor but now its time to see if this will work for humans too. A study in similar style, first step in that direction. I might change a few things in future works, but its a start alright.

Have a great weekend, you all!

Watercolor Portrait Painting

12x9

I have been working on a few commissioned portraits in pastels for past few weeks...can't share them until they are delivered to the client.In the meantime I was itching to do one in watercolor.A new watercolor block had just arrived and what would have been a better way to break into it! This portrait was just to check out how the paper behaved- but I went on to 'complete' it..as I always do.

I like this new Hahnemule  Britannia matt paper, it took all my overworking kindly, texture is good.

I am beginning to like this brand.

 I would love to paint this on a bigger scale, she is so beautiful. It was painted from a picture taken way back; of a fellow artist in my life drawing session.

Random Sketching_ Girl with Fair Hair

Graphite Pencil on paper, 6"x5"

A small sketch I did last night in my sketchbook.Reference picture by Anita Peppers.

Winter Sun

22"x 15"

This week I found some old issues of International Artist Magazine at my Art Club. Among some others greats,there was an article about Joseph Fettingis .I loved this artist's style! Inspired by his art, I came up with this piece.It is slightly bolder than my usual style, isn't it? I have tried to loosen up and 'leave something to the imagination of the viewer'..(though not quite there,yet)!I am trying to find a style which actually works for me.I would love to hear your opinions on the matter :)

BTW, this was created from an old photo from my India trip.In UK, sunlight seems to be a luxury..so I don't get to click good reference pictures that often for my watercolors.I needed sharp sunlight for this kind of portrait, so I dug it out from my archives.

Have a great weekend!!

'Venerable' -Portrait of a Friend's Mom

9"x12"

watercolor on paper

This is a watercolor sketch of my blogger friend Liz Holms' mom.This elegant lady suffers from Alzheimer,and Liz has been taking care of her for as long as I know her.I have always admired both of these ladies; its been a while since I asked Liz if I could paint her ( since Liz is a terrific painter herself, it felt awkward) but she obliged very graciously...this is just a sketch that I did on a 90 lb paper- I wanted to prepare for a bigger painting- but it turned out so well that I am sharing it here with all of you.As you can see, I have tried a different palette this time, ditching my usual yellow and blue!

Life in Pastel

Soft Pastels on Gray Tinted Paper

15"x22"

It started out as a black and white charcoal sketch on a gray paper....First I put charcoal in dark areas but when I tried putting highlights in white, she looked like a ghost!Hastily I took out my box of pastels to rescue her and after an hour or so covered her in color!At least she looked presentable :) What do you think?

I have used a painterly approach this time, almost like an oil painting.

I would call this my maiden attempt at portrait in soft pastels...still getting to know them!

"Unwind" completed

Watercolor on 600gsm paper

15"x22''

This painting has taken about nine hours to complete, spread over 3-4 days.

I was not sure what was I going to do when I started out; paper was big and this picture had a background which was integrated with the main subject.I don't usually paint the backgrounds in detail .After much deliberation, I decided to go with my instinct- painting almost everything I saw.
I think it looks rather nice as a whole scene; what's your take?

For my friends who are not familiar with Indian customs; this old lady is wearing a saree ; a traditional Indian attire.A Saree is basically an unstitched piece of cloth of about 5 meters in length which is draped around the body in various styles.Its very elegant dress and I also wear it on occasions.Younger women will wear stylish, decorative, embroided or printed ones.What this lady is wearing is a simple version- a plain cotton one which isa comfortable daily wear.The color is also significant.Saffron color is a symbol of  devotion and sacrifice.This woman is among the hundreds who have come to Rishikesh to spend their twilight years, leaving their families behind...Thus you often see this color in my paintings of sages and devotees from Rishikesh.
Hope that helps in understanding this painting.

Autumn of Life- Portrait of an Elderly Indian Woman

                                                            Watercolor on Paper
                                                                  16"x12"
I have worked on my instinct this time, using dry brush more than wet here.This portrait took me about five hours, in two sitting.There were a lot of details in her face which I wanted to capture.I guess it has come out good and I am going to submit this one for the Art Show.
This will also be my last post this month, I am off to India tomorrow...
See you all in a few weeks' time.