Pushing on with the Family Portrait

Family Portrait (Stage 2 Close-Up)

Family Portrait (Stage 2)

Powis Castle

P had a day off from his accountancy revision today. The routine's only just begun and it's already a bind, but it really makes me appreciate the time we spend together.

We travelled an hour or so South to Powis Castle over the Welsh border. What a fabulous place! The terraced gardens are so beautiful with amazing views over to the mountains. We sat on a bench in the warm September sunshine and I felt really peaceful. There was a calming serenity that I'll remember every time I'm stressed.

The castle itself was very attractive. Inside the rooms were lavishly decorated with painted ceilings, wood panelling and ornate plasterwork. The library had a hidden door which, from the inside looked like shelves of books. I especially liked the bedrooms with their four-poster beds that still managed to be very cosy. I really could imagine myself living there. It always helps when the N.T. guides are friendly. The veggie soup I had for lunch was very tasty too. What a great day!

Family Portrait - Stage 1

The group portrait is coming along ok so far. This is the stage where the figures look like the Nazi's in Raiders of the Lost Ark when the spirits from the Ark blast through them! A bit freaky!



On a more serious note, after drawing a rough layout in graphite to determine the placement of the faces, I go straight in with the acrylic (not worrying too much about colour at this point) and start to bring out the forms, the curves and shapes. In my mind I'm constantly measuring between things... the outside corners of the eyes are the same distance apart as the bridge of the nose to the end of the nose (in one case). I'm also measuring and comparing the negative, empty spaces.

Commission

That portrait I've just started will have to wait.



I went out with one of my oldest friends last night. We met at the Broken Cross in Northwich who's bar I've not stood at since I left my job last year. It hasn't changed in the slightest and is one of the friendliest pubs I know. Anyway my friend (I'm not sure if I should mention names here although hopefully if you know her you'll recognise her!) has asked for a painting of her family to send to her mum who's just relocated to New Zealand. There will be four figures which is going to be a challenge but who doesn't love a challenge? So I may start posting the progress on this instead. The painting is from a digital image that was taken before her mum left. It's slightly blurry which could make the job more difficult but we'll see how we go.

Portrait Stage 1

Ok, here's what I'm up to today. I'm working through a portrait that I wanted to re-do for my friend's birthday.



I'm trying to do it as quickly as possible so I've started by drawing with graphite. I usually just plunge straight in with the paint but I thought if I did it this way I might avoid making changes later on.



Having a few problems with the eyes which are, unfortunately, the most important part. I hate working from photos! It's so much easier working from life. I feel that you get a much better likeness. When you work from a photo you're looking at just one moment in time. When you work from life you have a much better chance of showing the character, capturing the mannerisms of a person.

The Dutiful Fiance

Earlier today my dad picked some apples off their tree for me. I'm so proud of myself - I actually made an apple pie! Never done it before but it was sooo satisfying. It looked a bit, erm, rustic but it felt so good to know exactly where those apples had come from!

Today I layed off the painting and played the dutiful wife (well, fiance). I cleaned the kitchen and then made my poor revision slave of a fiance dinner. Homemade veggie chilli... followed by the apple pie... mmmmmmmmm! Ok, so the chilli burnt to the bottom of the pan, but at least I'm trying.

The portrait got a great reaction from my parents. Always a great feeling even though I know they're biased!