The Vagabond Artist- Have Paint, Will Travel
The Vagabond Artist is back! Have paint, will travel seems an appropriate motto. August brings me to nearly a year of learning with The Mastery Program. I had hoped to graduate by the end of August. It’s still possible, but not likely. To graduate, I need 20-25 paintings in a cohesive style. With the two paintings I’m working currently, I will have 12 counting three of my Production Week paintings.
Forever Young
I had committed to my sister-in-law to paint this portrait of her raising a glass of champagne. It seemed to fit with my current series of “Wine, Women, and Song” paintings.
Day One – Charcoal Sketch
Of course, I decide to do this while vacationing from my vacation. Our current studio room isn’t very conducive to painting. I had packed a limited palette of acrylic paint. I set up on the small table, protecting it with newspaper. The initial step was to do a charcoal sketch. I fixed it with hairspray as I hadn’t packed the workable fixative I normally use. The background is tissue paper and acrylic washes I had prepared previously.
Day Two – Underpainting
I started day two with an underpainting, laying in the shadows and gradually working into lighter areas of the skin. It’s still looking way too dark, and something is off about her jawline and the sunglasses. Still, I surprise myself with how quickly it came to this stage. My husband and I spent the evening looking for an appropriate song to use for a title. We settled on “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart.
Day Three – Highlights and Refinements
On day three, I worked on fixing the sunglasses and the jawline. I also put lighter highlights on certain parts of her face and in her hair. I wasn’t sure how to approach the background. I didn’t want to try to replicate all the detail of the reference photo. The collaged background presents some challenges due to its texture. You can see the texture in her face as well. I think I kind of like it. What do you think?
I went ahead and painted a background similar to the one in the reference photo. I feel like I’m at a point where I can’t do much more until I get back to the Walla Walla house where I can add oils. I submitted this to my coaching group to solicit their advice.
Takeawys
It isn’t always easy to paint while traveling, but if there’s a will, there’s a way. I chose to pack acrylic paint since the cleanup is basic soap and water. Next week, I plan to share the finished paintings. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following along with my journey. I hope I inspire you to start your own.
