Wednesday, September 21, 2011

THE RED BERET in progress








16x20" oil on canvas
in progress


After working on Deirdre and That Party Dress, I was sure I had this down. What I mean is, whenever I begin a new piece I'm confronted with a myriad of doubts, the biggest being...how do I do this again? I began and suddenly I was twelve, sitting a the kitchen table with my crayons, faithfully staying within the bold black lines with my colors! Grrrrrrrgh!

I let it sit for a couple of days and decided to just attack it. No hesitancy, no mind games, just paint what you see! I'm pleased so far. The reference is from a photo I took of a beautiful young woman who agreed to pose during the fair I attended last year with my friends from dighoarts.com, who were kind enough to give me some space in their booth.

I hope to post the finished painting by Monday next. We'll see what happens.

Thanks for stopping by!

30 comments:

  1. Lovely eyes and the lips are luscious, I'm not sure what else you need do to this, I will be very interested to see her when she's finished though.

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  2. Wowwzer!!! This is amazing! Those eyes just captivate you! Somehow the red in the beret and the red in her lips and the pink undertones in her skin draw you right to the lightest part of her eye where it the light is shining through. It is just breathtaking!!

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  3. Oh my gosh this is gorgeous Suzanne! I love her expression, sort of wistful, sort of cautious (about what I don't know, but I think that's part of the appeal) and just beautiful. And I have been feeling the same thing!! Every time I sit down to paint it's like I've forgotten everything I thought I knew. Grrrr! But you're right, just diving in and thinking about it less usually gets the job done. :)

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  4. I am thinking she looks pretty darn close to finished and Fabulous all at the same time! Love the in your face perspective yet the softness in spots counterbalances that. You are good and enjoy a moment here....these last few have been especially Suuhweeet!

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  5. Looking great so far, can't wait to see the finished product!

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  6. My Gunkie, her eyes are truly hypnotic; I had to almost wrench my eyes from those of your painting. They are most wise, deep and "old". Bravo!!

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  7. This is fantastic! So much expression! Beautiful colors and eyes...
    love
    tweedles

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  8. Beautiful... especially those eyes.. wow. Luscious and lovely.

    I have the same thoughts you described when starting a new painting, especially one that seems "important". I'm often beset with thoughts that I don't remember how to actually paint.

    A few years ago I heard another artist describe similar thoughts. This well-known painter confessed to feeling like an imposter. He's certainly putting on a good act, though.

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  9. Beautiful! Oh I can't wait to get better! You really got that high light down in her eyes.

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  10. Now she is one cool beauty, Suz! Love that red beret too!

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  11. Oh, it is good to be fearless. Way to attack ; ) Very interesting, full of subtle colour-skin tones and I'm really loving how you're seeing the beret. The crocheting highlights are like red jewels. Perfect!
    btw I just saw one you did on your blog called Helen's Eyes. Missed that one too! One of my new favourites!

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  12. Amazing start. You've captured a lovely twinkle in her eyes. Can't wait to see the finale!

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  13. The color and light are amazing - so far...great to find a willing subject when you have your camera. Paint on! Can't wait!

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  14. I don't know whether I'm more captivated by her eyes or her LIPS! Well done! There is no need for anxiety, although I completely understand!

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  15. She's beautiful and you are truly doing a wonderful job. With your talent, never doubt, just let you hands do what they know and just enjoy the process. Can't wait to see it complete.
    All the best to you,
    Joan

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  16. Amazed am I once again at your beautiful captivating art. The eyes are so dramatic and the lips. What can I say except it stopped me in my tracks I really love the highlight in the eyes. This whole painting is so beautiful. Love it.

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  17. This is an extraordinary portrait - You have managed to paint her soul as well as her face which is something that only a few artists can do. This is a truly exceptional piece! :0)

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  18. Beautiful portrait!!! I love the closeup of it..outstanding eyes..and great shadow work!!BRAVO

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  19. It is some really strange phenomenon, we all feel exactly what you explained. It is like, "did I really know how to paint, or am I imagining it?" Then I start fumbling...... Maybe I am really getting old fast!
    This looks like you know what you are doing, you captured something hypnotic and spellbinding, lovely and soft!

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  20. This is very exciting! Wonderful skintones and glimmering, sparkly eyes, can't wait to see the final painting!

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  21. Hi Suzanne!... Continue to be bold n' brave! This is a bold piece... and will only be accomplished by bold strokes and intuition!

    I love it already! Good luck with the rest of it!

    Good Fall Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  22. Oh, that lit eye! It just drags you right into her being (and your painting)!
    There are those beginning doubts "can I really do this?" and then there are those in the middle doubts "can this painting be saved?"... I don't think you should have any doubts this time around.

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  23. It is so refreshing and reassuring to hear that an Artist with your extremely high skill still has doubts! All of your work has the "magic touch" that comes with years of experience and a look that makes it uniquely your style. This one is such a beauty! Love that spot of light in her eye...the magic has already begun here!

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  24. Hi Suzanne,

    It's so lovely, the assured expression, the skin tones and that wonderful beret! Well done Suzanne.

    Sue

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  25. thank you everyone for these incredibly kind, generous and thoughtful comments.

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  26. Hello again Suzanne,

    My main e-mail address is udonentemployee@csu.fullerton.edu. Thanks again for commenting on my latest post.

    Tim

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  27. I'd say you got a fantastic start out of the gates with this one. Can hardly wait to see the final result!

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