“Lady in Crimson” 12×16 Oil Painting on Gessoed Board
Oil painting of lady in crimson.
The reference photo was taken in New York years ago. I find such interesting looking people there, and so willing to pose for me right on the street. I enjoyed flailing paint about on in this painting and enjoy the crimson added as a last minute decision. I don’t create detailed sketches before I paint. With a large brush, I create placement for the figure, then loose placement for features before beginning refinements.
This is what the process looked like for this painting. Locating shapes.
First 5 Minutes of Painting
Below, finding mid tone values in face. Do you wonder what that thing is on her head? Initially I was adding a tam – which she did not have, After a while, I decided it looked like a “cap and gown” image – which it does, so the tam had to go.
Below, starting to look like a person – in “cap and gown”! I’m convinced that ultimately it would not have, but given the way I finished the portrait, it would not have worked anyhow – do you know what I mean?
Below: I always like my paintings before they are finished, but never stop there. It’s a dare that a few more strokes will make it better. Sometimes that works and sometimes I’m filled with deep regret!!
I will tell you at this point that this is a Transgender person. She wore a two piece fitted outfit with her midriff showing and hand on her hip – there was plenty of attitude. I like the painting at this point but kept painting creating a very different image. Eventually, I changed the jawline, softened the expression and added the crimson. the final is added below to make comparison easier.
Oil painting of lady in crimson.