Anders Zorn, I Presume?

 

"Bright Eyes"

16 x 20 inches, oil on canvas

$500

click to buy

Since this pose was set for three weeks, I decided to attempt a two-weeker after my first piece, or a six-hour painting, in the large-for-me size of 16x20 inches. And since simplicity is something I'll take where I can get it these days, I chose the charming Mr. Zorn as a painting partner:

Titanium White, Cad Red, Yellow Ocher, Ivory Black. The Zorn Palette

 Here is my progression from the first week, at 1, 2, and 3 hours roughly. I blended it a bit after I got home, and resolved to face my fear of painting "alla segundo" (the opposite of alla prima: Thanks, Joy, for that one, by the way), and work back into it.

God, I loved this piece after 45 minutes. I should have just left it that way, but you know, closure is good, too.

And now, some shots of my painting friends! Left to right, Farley Craig (or as I think of him, the font of knowledge), the lovely Joy, such a dedicated student, and Barbara, who finishes a powerfully expressive painting in the time it takes me to get my drawing down. Also a delicately rendered drawing by Lisa, a regular whose picture I didn't get to snap last night!)

 

 I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in the arts, even in an amateur way, to seek out a group to paint or draw with. The camaraderie and interaction is so important. Contrary to popular belief, I say that art is not a solitary pursuit. It's a community of creation.