Thursday, December 24, 2009

Portrait Challenge






This year's portrait challenge has produced some amazing works again...look here. I started out strong with my first attempt, and pretty much fiddled it to death. After about 8 hours work, yes that's a lot of fiddling, I wiped it completely clean, and started again. I took my time re-drawing, and finished it in one go. (Good thing she's not hard to look at...ha!) I wanted a better likeness, but at least it feels like something that I'd had in mind. Hope this lovely young lady likes it. She supplied a very interesting photo which I thank her for.

oil on masonite 

9" x 12"

Merry Christmas everyone.
Posted by at

51 comments:

  1. EarthulaDecember 24, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    wonderful. I love the way you did the scarf.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dana CooperDecember 24, 2009 at 2:02 PM

    Vern, this is a really lovely portrait from a beautiful photo. I really like almost tonal quality to it too...Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tammy HextDecember 24, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    Vern, this is wonderful. I enlarged it and that is when you really see all the subtle colours in there - it is a beauty.
    Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  4. James ParkerDecember 24, 2009 at 2:57 PM

    Hi, Vern. Glad to see ya stop by...now that I've got better Internet...I'll be a more frequent visitor. Portraitws are a booger, and you done good. Have a joyous Christmas, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Pattie WallDecember 24, 2009 at 3:33 PM

    It is a lovely portrait, Vern. The shadows and light are very nice! I'll bet she will love it! Merry Christmas to you all!

    ReplyDelete
  6. artbyakikoDecember 24, 2009 at 3:36 PM

    Wonderful job, Vern! I love the lighting.
    Happy Holiday!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anne Marie PropstDecember 24, 2009 at 3:59 PM

    Vern, it is just beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. dominique eichiDecember 24, 2009 at 4:12 PM

    AH your funny (yes it is a good thing she's not hard to look at ) I wonder what would have happened otherwise ( my imagination goes wild ) It doesn't matter because you always master the challenges. Well done

    ReplyDelete
  9. Edward BurtonDecember 24, 2009 at 4:23 PM

    Beautiful job, Vern. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  10. David Larson EvansDecember 24, 2009 at 5:50 PM

    Great job one of the best Happy Holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Carol NelsonDecember 24, 2009 at 5:55 PM

    You really lucked out with an awesome photo to work from - great pose, great lighting. You did her proud.
    Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rich HoffmanDecember 24, 2009 at 6:32 PM

    Great portrait, expressive, and I love your tonal qualities and shadows.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Paintings by Irit BourlaDecember 24, 2009 at 6:54 PM

    Vern,
    This is beautiful.
    I love the way you deal with her hair.
    Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  14. adebanjiDecember 24, 2009 at 7:00 PM

    Looked at the dsfdf site and saw this piece-SPLENDID!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Alice ThompsonDecember 24, 2009 at 7:59 PM

    Vern, this is painted so lovingly. The flesh tones are so creamy! I also love that Tabby Cat painting.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Terri BuchholzDecember 24, 2009 at 8:10 PM

    Wow! Work waiting for - beautiful portrait Vern!

    ReplyDelete
  17. RuthDecember 24, 2009 at 8:44 PM

    Vern, great likeness. You were lucky on two counts. One, a lovely young lady and two, a dramatically lighted photo with WOW factor. Add the two together and you can't lose. Well, you could, but you didn't. Have a happy Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Crazy RAvens StudioDecember 25, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    A very compelling portrait, nice job. I like the brushwork and how you picked up the red in her hair.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Peggy Montano & PaintingsDecember 25, 2009 at 10:27 AM

    It is beautiful. what more can I say?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Camille LaRue OlsenDecember 25, 2009 at 12:48 PM

    Vern, these colors and the brushwork give this an almost classical feel. Really wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dean H.December 25, 2009 at 12:58 PM

    Great job, Vern! You may have had to do it twice but you ended up with a very fresh painterly look!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Gwen BellDecember 25, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    Gorgeous, Vern! One of my favorites. What a great photo reference. The light is lovely and young woman is beautiful. You portrayed both masterfully. Love that white scarf and the dramatic background and the red highlights in her hair. Great skin tones too!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Bruce DockerDecember 25, 2009 at 9:42 PM

    Nice job Vern, the character really shows through.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Maria Kovalenko LeysensDecember 26, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    Nice portrait, Vern. I like the softened colors and strong brushwork.

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownDecember 26, 2009 at 3:17 PM

    This is stunning, Vern! I love how you handled the shadows...wonderful colors and brushwork. This portrait is one of my favorite and I'm sure she will love it!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Christine in ArtDecember 26, 2009 at 6:30 PM

    I love this portrait just pulls me in.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ann RogersDecember 26, 2009 at 6:44 PM

    A great photo to work with and you did a fantastic job in capturing the likeness with such grand light and color.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Angela ElledgeDecember 26, 2009 at 10:45 PM

    Hello Vern,
    This is exceptionally beautiful. I agree with all that has been said, in addition, I absolutely love the cad red in the skin tone. Outstanding!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Claire Beadon CarnellDecember 26, 2009 at 11:04 PM

    You've really painted some lovely, creamy skin tones - she will love this!

    ReplyDelete
  30. L.HolmDecember 27, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    This is masterfully done, Vern. That first 8 hours paid off, I'd say. Beautiful colors. You have the most exceptional color choices.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Bobbi HeathDecember 27, 2009 at 9:14 PM

    Vern,

    VERY painterly, beautifully done. Really really nice. I wish we could see the first effort, can you share a photo? I'll bet you got a lot from it that shows here. And thanks for sharing your comments.

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownDecember 28, 2009 at 2:46 AM

    Lovely portrayal of a beautiful image.Excellent shade and light tones.

    ReplyDelete
  33. FCPDecember 28, 2009 at 6:01 AM

    Lovely--I think you captured the energy and feeling of this young lady, as well as a likeness.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Kari TirrellDecember 28, 2009 at 10:40 AM

    This is beautifully painted, Vern. What a nice photo reference to work from, too! Great job.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Violetta SmithDecember 28, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    Great choice of colors.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Mitzi EasleyDecember 28, 2009 at 4:53 PM

    Great job Vern! Your style is wonderful... this is a beautiful portrait!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Art Group 360December 28, 2009 at 9:22 PM

    Hey Vern, Thanks for the kind words. Some of the work on your blog is absolutely awesome!
    L.

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousDecember 29, 2009 at 10:47 AM

    Lovely. I really admire your brushwork.

    ReplyDelete
  39. artybeccaDecember 30, 2009 at 1:07 PM

    this is great! It is loose and painterly AND nails the likeness. Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  40. SharonDecember 31, 2009 at 8:18 AM

    Great portrait for the dsfdf challenge. I can relate to wiping out and starting over. I did the same thing when painting my portrait. Sometimes it's exactly what is needed. And you managed to be very successful on your second go-round!

    ReplyDelete
  41. UnknownDecember 31, 2009 at 8:55 PM

    This has the signature Vern Schwarz look to it. Gorgeous warm, rich colors.

    I want to wish you and your wife a fantastic New Year. This year has been challenging for both of you so I'm sure 2010 will bring many blessings and joy.

    ReplyDelete
  42. liz wiltzenDecember 31, 2009 at 9:20 PM

    Vern-a-roonie!

    GREAT job on this portrait, really love the bold, direct feel of it!

    ReplyDelete
  43. c.gillespieJanuary 1, 2010 at 12:55 PM

    Really nicely done, Vern.

    from another Canadian,
    Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  44. Linny D. VineJanuary 1, 2010 at 11:11 PM

    Excellent, Vern!(Thanks for sharing your process, too.)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Regula ScheifeleJanuary 2, 2010 at 5:17 AM

    Hi Vern. THANK YOU for doing such a wonderful job on my potrait!
    Of course I like it, I'm so impressed with the colours and brushwork, the freshness and painterly look. Great.
    I think you showed a part of me that's not easily seen but definitely an aspect of my character.
    It's especially interesting for me to see your version as I painted my first self portrait from a very similar picture.
    Thanks again, Regula

    ReplyDelete
  46. Chelsie BradyJanuary 2, 2010 at 2:14 PM

    I love your portrait! I actually love your paintings in general. Your name is always one that I tend to click after each of these challenges. Thank your for the feedback on my painting as well.

    ReplyDelete
  47. SYLVIANEJanuary 2, 2010 at 3:30 PM

    Wonderful portrait, Vern!

    ReplyDelete
  48. lilly piriJanuary 2, 2010 at 7:28 PM

    Brilliant work!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Ann GorbettJanuary 7, 2010 at 9:51 AM

    This is wonderful Vern. She must be thrilled with your interpretation.

    ReplyDelete
  50. SharonWrightArtistJanuary 9, 2010 at 5:24 PM

    You absolutely nailed that look in her eyes! Brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Paula VillanovaJanuary 10, 2010 at 8:45 PM

    I particularly love the brushwork and the scarf on this. I'll bet the model is pleased!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)