portrait

Quick portrait: Scott at work

by

I usually paint portraits from photographs. This one, my first one in oils for a long time, was from life. My husband was working at the computer while I painted. He moved around more than I would have liked, so the resulting image is a little inconsistent. That’s why I like photos – they make … Read more

Work in progress: Sachiko

by

I make most of my color choices unconsciously. Or do I mean subconsciously? It’s not like I’m unconscious when I make them… Anyway, I’m amused to notice that the color scheme of the painting is very similar to the colors I used in the preparatory sketches. I guess Sachi is destined to have purple hair. … Read more

Self (portrait)

by

Inspired by this month’s Creative Every Day theme, self, I decided to start a new self portrait today. Can you tell what kind of mood I’m in? I’ve done tons of self portraits, my whole life long. I like making portraits, and I’m always the most available subject. I’m doing this one (like most of … Read more

Progress

by

I have taken much too long of a hiatus from my painting. I have four canvases in progress, all of which were started months ago. This one, Tomoko, which I was most afraid of ruining, is finally coming along. I basically destroyed the face and started it again, but without changing the layout. I am … Read more

Work in Progress: Tomoko

by

I often reach a point in a painting where I really love something about it, even though I don’t love it as a whole and I know it’s not finished. I get kind of panicky at this point, because I’m afraid that if I work on the painting too much more, I’ll ruin whatever it … Read more

Yoshiko

by

40 x 50 cm, acrylic on canvas, 2006-2007. I’m not sure this one is finished (which is how I feel about most of my paintings when I post them here). I do at least need a break from it – I’ve stared at it too much. I’m looking forward to starting something new. Perhaps this … Read more

Katy

by

40 x 50 cm, acrylic on canvas, 2006. This portrait was a new challenge for me, in that it is the first full portrait I’ve done recently of a person whom I’ve never met in the flesh. Not knowing the subject makes it difficult for me to improvise too much, and I found myself worrying … Read more