Monday, August 23, 2010

Lisa


Lisa
Original oil painting 20x16"
by Susan Roux

I painted yesterday...

It seemed like the perfect thing to do on a rainy Sunday. I don't know what happened for everything to go so well, but to my surprise I finished my second portrait! This is my beautiful sister, Lisa. As I was painting her and she really began to emerge, it energized me so much to have her smiling back at me. I just couldn't seem to put my brush down!

I can't quite explain the excitement I felt. Even this morning as I look at my accomplishment, its hard to believe I created this. Don Hatfield is an amazing teacher. I have him to thank for this. If you ever get a chance to take his workshop, don't hesitate. He's hilarious and so gifted. He'll be tough on you and "slay your darling" (which means he paints over your work annihilating all your detail) while still making you laugh. Actually you laugh more when he does it to someone else next to you... But guaranteed, if you go with an open mind and really try to do as he says, you'll really learn. I'm perfect proof. Its been a month and five days since I took his workshop and look how my art has improved!

Can you see me smiling?

My plan is to paint my sister again in this same pose. Don suggested I do as a way to really learn. Seeing she fell into place so quickly, I'm not tired of working on it. I like that this first version feels painterly. I find her fresh with glowing youthful skin and I managed to capture her spirit.

Yeah. Wow! That's what I keep thinking...

How did I do that???

Call Don. Get classes. Paint paintings you won't believe you can do.

38 comments:

  1. This is outstanding! I am not always a fan of the grinning portrait-- (to me, a broad smile in a painting can look sort of contrived, but not this one!) I daresay, it may be the best "big smile" oil painting I've EVER seen. Five stars out of five!

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  2. Gorgeous! I can't imagine you could improve it!

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  3. beautiful work! i can see her smiling back at me!

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  4. You know I REALLY like this!!! I like the smile and the way her face really emerges in a happy ready to get up and go way.
    I also like the way you've done the arms ... sort of bluring them... I guess that's the way to put it... It just makes her look like she's emerging from the painting...
    GREAT JOB...
    What does your painting teacher think you should do differently??? I can't imagine??

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  5. This portrait is fantastic,natural and your sister seems so joyful!
    Bravo!

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  6. What a beautiful portrait of your sister. So well done! She has such a genuine smile! You also did a wonderful job on Toby and Leslie. I'm looking forward to your future paintings.

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  7. I am amazed at how you just manage to churn out such marvellous artwork . Another stunning painting and potrait.

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  8. it looks like you really enjoyed yourself too... it shows in your work.

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  9. Fantastic portrait...you captured her vivaciousness evry well.

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  10. a wonderful portrait, so natural and serene.

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  11. Beautiful! Isn't it amazing what we can learn from workshops. I took my first one this year, and emerged being more confident and with a few tricks up my sleeve. Wonderful, portrait!

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  12. Just lovely, so fresh and vibrant!

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  13. Belo trabalho...Espectacular....
    Cumprimentos

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  14. This is absolutely amazing...You have great talent! I have always wanted to have me painted :) maybe oneday...Thanks for sharing!

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  15. No wonder you are proud. She is beautiful. You did such a great job at capturing fine detail while leaving the fun look. Hooray!

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  16. Lovely portrait. Very fresh. I know you worked from a photo, but it has the feeling of a painting done from life.
    Certainly not a porcelain doll but a living breathing woman!

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  17. oh this is lovely! you really did get a painterly feel to it - such life & vibrancy! & thank you for following me so i could find & follow you!

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  18. You paint divinely.
    Thank you for following my blog ...
    Valéria

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  19. Susan,

    This is a fantastic piece. As a portrait it seems to capture so much personality. well done.

    Thanks too for the link to Barbara's blog. We certainly do seem to share that chair fetish!

    Róisín

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  20. Very impressive portrait! Tiene todo lo necesario en un retrato, naturalidad y expresión.

    Saludos!!

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  21. Oh wow! It is beautiful! She looks like she could come to life and speak!

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  22. The first thing I noticed when I looked at your post was the beautiful life and spirit you captured. This is truly exceptional, Susan!

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  23. Bom ter sido encontrado por você, Suzan! E, às quintas, é sempre dia de humor. Será sempre um prazer poder recebê-la! Também voltarei, mais vezes, para apreciar, ainda mais, a sua arte!
    Abraços!

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  24. you should be happy with this one Susan. You did a superb job on your sister. No wonder she is smiling back at you and you were into it. Love shows here.
    Thanks for the comment on my art blog.

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  25. Thank you for the encouraging words on my blog it is good to be back and to hear from you again. You are such a great example and encourager.

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  26. your portraits are fantastic,also your landscapes,ciao

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  27. This is a great painting. The warmth of the skin tones are beautiful. Great job!

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  28. Très joli travail ma Susan, je te félicite et surtout que celui-ci te remplisse de joie et te donne le même sourire que tu as su transcrire. Bisousssssssss

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  29. Such a spectacular portrait with a smile that is giving out so much of happiness, you are brilliant Susan!

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  30. je viendrai en visite.. pour faire faire mon portrait par susan..! excellent!

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  31. I just love your soft style. I haven't done portraits yet, but when I do this will be my example. I hope to attempt this very soon.

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  32. Painted with obvious affection and admiration, lovely.

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  33. This is a beautiful portrait. You should do more.

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  34. You've painted her inner glow! Quite a beautiful portrait!

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