Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Letter

The Letter
Oil on panel, 9x12
This morning, I couldn't decide whether to paint my daughter, or cupcakes.  I decided on Michaela!  After my fairy tale like landscape of yesterday, I felt like something way more realistic was in order.  The overcast day let in a soft light, shedding a special glow from the windows.  It amazes me how different the light is from day to day on these interiors.  Same house, many of the same windows, and yet each one's lighting is so very different.  I started with a detailed sketch, before laying in the basic color masses.  Starting with her face, hair, near curtain and shadow areas, and then working out from there,  I always want to be sure the main focus is right.  Then. I work out into the surrounding areas.  The diffused lighting had me graying down all colors quite a bit.  This painting makes 72 in 72 days, and I just found out that Leslie Saeta will be hosting another 30 day painting challenge in the future - and that is what started me on this ritual of painting every single day!
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24 comments:

  1. kirstin @ LilliBean DesignsMarch 17, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    What a stunning painting - I can't believe you have done 72 paintings in 72 days Congratulations and I can't wait to go off and explore your other paintings.

    Thank you so much for popping in and leave a lovely comment on my painting.
    Cheers
    Kirstin x

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 17, 2013 at 5:16 PM

      Thank you for looking through my blog - and the kind words! Some days are definitely easier to paint than others. Today has been a bit of a struggle - but I am looking forward to tomorrow, now!

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  2. FelicityMarch 17, 2013 at 4:27 AM

    it is the first time I see you paint a girl... I would like to tell you that it is the most difficult for me... Bravo!! you did it so simple, natural and attracive

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 17, 2013 at 5:14 PM

      Thanks, Natalie! I have painted Michaela a couple of times. I have only started painting portraits in oil - so it is all a learning process!

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  3. ZueMarch 17, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    I am glad you chose to paint your daughter! You are right about how the light changes...beautiful soft delightful painting!
    xx

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 17, 2013 at 5:12 PM

      Thank you, Sue! I went from painting soft and light yesterday to bright, cheery desserts today! Thanks for taking the time to comment :)

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  4. LauraMarch 17, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    Tammie I just spent ages looking through your artwork. It is fabulous. You create a beautiful glowing light in your work that is gorgeous to see.

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 17, 2013 at 5:11 PM

      Thank you so much for such kind words! It is just the motivation I need to tackle another painting!

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  5. SusanMarch 22, 2013 at 12:44 PM

    Beautiful! The lighting is amazing. Happy PPF

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 22, 2013 at 3:19 PM

      Thank so much, Susan! I am really trying to explore how the light changes on the planes of the figure. This is new for me - so each painting is an experiment! Happy PPF!

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  6. sharonMarch 22, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Your work is fantastic! I just realised how small it is, such control Wow!

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 22, 2013 at 3:16 PM

      Thank you, Sharon! It is a LOT easier to paint portraits in a larger size - but I just can't get them finished in a day! I am trying to paint one portrait a week, to help improve my skills :)

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  7. Mary C. NasserMarch 22, 2013 at 4:38 PM

    Wow! Gorgeous painting! And congratulations on painting 72 paintings in 72 days!! That is phenomenal!!
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 23, 2013 at 7:31 PM

      Thank you, Mary! I enjoyed taking a little tour of your blog today, too! Happy PPF!

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  8. SAMARAMarch 22, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    I am in AWE! My mouth dropped when I saw it wasn't a photo! good choice to paint your daughter. And 72 in 72!!!! I thought you were going to say the size of your canvas. holy toodles. You are SOOOOO talented!!!! I can hardly believe you did ALL this detail on a 9 by 12. I struggle and I do mud piles on 9 x 12. OMG I am still in shock this is not a photo!!! Man oh man I have to find you each week!!!!! Lovies galore, Samara Happy PPF

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 23, 2013 at 7:22 PM

      Thank you, Samara, for all the kind words! Portraits in this size are harder - but doing one a day pushes me to try to accomplish more in a smaller space. I hope this makes the larger ones seem like a piece of cake! Happy PPF!

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  9. UnknownMarch 22, 2013 at 9:50 PM

    What a great pose. Very dramatic and really draws you in. Beautifully done!!

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 23, 2013 at 7:33 PM

      Thank you, Cat! I really enjoyed working on this one! Happy PPF!

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  10. GigglesMarch 23, 2013 at 5:06 AM

    Stunning painting and I love the legs and feet how they are turned in ...wow beautiful piece of work!!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 23, 2013 at 7:41 PM

      Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it! Happy PPF!

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  11. Anne MandaMarch 23, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Just breathtakingly wonderful painting, love the way you have done that beautiful soft light! <3

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 23, 2013 at 7:46 PM

      Thank you so much, Anne! So nice of you to leave a comment :)

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  12. NettyMarch 23, 2013 at 1:26 PM

    Your painting is totally beautiful, you are very gifted.
    Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Tammie DickersonMarch 23, 2013 at 7:53 PM

      Thank you, Annette! Having a wonderful model makes the job an easy one! Happy PPF!

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