Another portrait study of new friend, Jessica Clark, whom I met down in LA last week. I couldn’t wait to do a quick portrait of her — she’s so unique looking and a fantastic model. I did a bit of glazing after the initial painting, mostly just to knock that jaw shadow back a bit, and hit the highlights again. super fun one though.
portrait study, "Jessica" - 16" x 20", oil on panel. 2012
3 Responses to PORTRAIT STUDY, JESSICA
Jessica looks as crazy as she really is beautiful…. she is very brave to have tatooed her visage….. Very fascinating girl, with a stunning perfect body, too. I love her and the other beautiful model, sitting embraced by her in that black chair…., il L.A. Great pictures, Aaron…
yes, this is you right HIWAY to success!!!
Gianluca, Ravenna , Italy
You said: “I did a bit of glazing after the initial painting,…” Please forgive my stupid question. It appears that you work alla prima by applying thick luscious paint and finishing as you go. I was surprised that you said you did some glazing after the initial pass… if you are working alla prima, wouldn’t glazing on top be ill advised? Or does it just appear that you work alla prima when you don’t, and if this is the case, then wouldn’t you tone the canvas, lay down some lines (drawing), and then start to apply fatter paint? Thanks, Lance Hayes
hey Lance,
I generally try and get as much done on a painting in one sitting — even with larger paintings, i’ll paint each element until it’s almost done before I move on to the next. so in that sense, it’s Alla Prima. but I will certainly go back and re-work areas or glaze if needed. with portrait studies, I try and get everything done in one pass, but often find that some glazing helps especially when pushing values a little farther than I can get them in that first pass. (this usually applies to darks, as I find getting darks where they need to be on a first pass is hard without muddying the colors). hope that answers your question! a