male models

So Happy

with how this is coming along, I have treated myself to a library visit, homemade cornbread and a Mexican dinner. Going forward, the figures’ shadows will tie it all together in a subtle way. Very pleased with myself today.

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A Day’s Work

I am happy with the beautiful face of this figure. It has the perfect ratio of warm to cool: thoughts of Velazquez. The middle figure brings the painting together. The pose, the values and the colors all harmonize with the overall composition. I envision the figure on the right with Rubensian flesh tones. The tones will contrast nicely with the other two figures’ flesh colors. Additionally, I am healing well from Takotsubo. It usually takes a month and I am near that mark. And, my Mets won a game yesterday. Good work all around.

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One of Three

I have been working on this figure from the Three Graces painting. The next time I work on it, I will soften the edges. The skin tone is warm to cool throughout, with the goal of having neither the warmth nor the cold be too prominent.

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Starting and Finishing

I have been working on this painting for approximately 1 1/2 months. Today I went over some areas that were bothering me: some were too dark, and some edges were not crisp enough. I like the delicate balance between correcting areas and leaving some slightly imperfect. I do this because I enjoy the process of looking at art, specifically drawings, when I gather insight into what an artist was thinking by examining the various marks made. I have posted the beginning charcoal image on canvas I started with, and the final painting.

Two Men with Image of Hecate the Greek Goddess of Magic, Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches

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Two drawings

in charcoal on canvas. The beginnings of two paintings, with many corrections already, and many more to come.

Charcoal drawing on canvas, beginning of untitled painting, 24 x 30 inches (in process)
Charcoal on canvas, under drawing for Three Graces, 30 x 40 inches (in process; Sammie the puggle in foreground)

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Today’s work

I love where this painting is taking me; I worked today on the sky, and mountains and moved two figures up and further back.

Ballet, or The Evil That Men Do, 4th day, oil on panel, 11 x 14 inches

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Lately

I have been sketching, working on ideas for future paintings, and moving forward slowly on the Pathos of Alexander painting. I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that a painting with that heavy a title is weighing me down. The whole indirect painting thing sometimes feels like I have entered quicksand, but I will persevere, whether or not it is warranted.

Sketch for Women Play Baseball project
Sketches
After some glazing in color

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Beginning, middle, end

These three paintings are in various stages of completion: I just started the painting of the sheep today, while I am working to bring the painting of two male models to completion. Mike’s garden is pretty much done. The most difficult part of painting for me is finishing. I am not sure if it is the actual tasks involved or the anxiety it brings, but I feel aggravated. The questions I ask myself when I am trying to finish a painting add to the frustration. “Are you sure you are done?”; “Can you do better?”; and the old chestnut “Is it really good enough?”

Oil on canvas, 11 x 14 inches, beginning
Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches, 2021, in process
Oil on linen panel, 8 x 10 inches, 2021, complete

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