Stop Looking At Me

I usually don't finish the eyes on a portrait in the early stages because they stare at me for the remainder of the time it takes to finish the painting!  But for some reason I've done just that in this comissioned portrait and he will be looking at me for the next couple of weeks.

Spanish Horse and Rider

"Study for Spanish Horse and Rider"   12" x 12"   Oil

I painted this small study in preparation for a larger version, to work out the details and color before beginning the large painting - but I also had another motivation for painting a small one.  I've been invited, along with about 90 other artists, to show three small paintings (nothing larger than 11x14) in Howard/Mandville Galleries' Small Works Show later this year - so I need to build up an inventory of smaller oils.

The rider started out with a red polo shirt but my most trusted critic (wife) suggested he wear a more formal riding outfit.

I think she was right...again.

Portrait Society of America Conference (Day Three)

Saturday's program began with a demonstration by Daniel Greene.  He talked about his color palette and then began working from the model.

 

The model is getting sleepy.

I think he was relieved when the pose ended.

Next up was Mary Whyte, the winner of the people's choice for the "Face Off" competition that occurred on Thursday night.  She demonstrated her watercolor technique for the audience.

Mary calls this next stage (below) when she lays in the broad shadow shape "the big scary".  ("You don't answer the phone at this stage!")  She put it down quickly and decisively, mixing wet into wet a reddish wash over an ultramarine blue wash. She commented that watercolor is the only medium where everything depends on timing.

Here she's adding the finishing touches on the 2 hour demonstration.

At the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening it was announced that Julio Reyes was the Grand Prize winner for his painting "Tread Softly."  Congratulations to Julio!

Grand Prize Winner

"Tread Softly"  42" x 63"   Oil  by Julio Reyes

Detail

The Portrait Society of America staff and faculty put on a great conference.  I plan to attend next year's event in Atlanta!

The Twenty Finalists

These are the finalists in the Portrait Society of America's 2012 International Portrait Competition.  

Nick Alm

Casey Baugh

Matthew James Collins

Marina Dieul

Stephen Early

John Ebersberger

Gavin Gardner

David Gluck

David Kassan

Katherine McNenly

Greg Mortensen

Aapo Pukk

Thomas Reis

Julio Reyes

Lynn Sanguedolce

Mary Sauer

me

Hsin-Yao Tseng

Alexandra Tyng

Paul Wise

Next up:  Day three of the Portrait Society of America conference with more demonstrations from artists and the Grand Prize winner is announced at the Awards Banquet.