Friday, November 03, 2006

self portrait practice

This is a totally wet in wet painting. I sat down brushed on the background and then started dabbing in the darks. After the general form seemed close I wiped off some paint to bring out some lights.
This is get up and walk away time. Take a break, make a cup of tea and come back with fresh eyes.
click on picture to enlarge the image
Morning Practice - Self Portrait
8" x 10"
oil on masonite panel

It is amazing how using confidence as a tool can help you with a painting. I really enjoyed painting this one. I threw all caution to the wind and jumped right in. No preliminary sketch with charcoal, not a lot of preparation just sit down and paint.
Sometimes the best thing we can do is go at a painting as if we know what we are doing and don't question the process we choose to use. Just paint and critique later. This took approximately 2 hours with a few get up and walk away breaks.

9 comments:

Darren Maurer said...

That looks great. I love the looseness in your brushwork and leaving most everything but your face unfinished. You make me want to try one.

Takeyce said...

Very nice, Peter.

Anonymous said...

Lovely and inspiring, thank you.

Louis Boileau said...

Great painting Peter.

amber said...

Just amazing not only is the painting good, but the sense of your personality is very well captured

Parisbreakfasts said...

WOW I like seeing you emerge from that green, especially over my hot chocolate and croissant!

Anonymous said...

love the flesh tones, and the relaxed expression

J Matt Miller said...

This is great Peter! All the daily painters should take a whack at self portraits, just for the fun of it.

belindadelpesco.com said...

This is So WONDERFUL. You're going to start a trend, but the watermark is set high now. Great painting.