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.

51 comments:

  1. wonderful. I love the way you did the scarf.

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

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  3. 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

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  4. 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.

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  5. 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!

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

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  7. 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

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  8. Beautiful job, Vern. Merry Christmas!

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  9. Great job one of the best Happy Holidays.

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

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

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

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

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  14. 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.

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  15. Wow! Work waiting for - beautiful portrait Vern!

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  16. 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.

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

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

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

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  20. 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!

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  21. Nice job Vern, the character really shows through.

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

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  23. 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!

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  24. I love this portrait just pulls me in.

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

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  26. 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!!

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

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

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  29. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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  35. Lovely. I really admire your brushwork.

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

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  37. 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!

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  38. 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.

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  39. Vern-a-roonie!

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

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  40. Really nicely done, Vern.

    from another Canadian,
    Catherine

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

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  42. 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

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  43. 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.

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

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  45. You absolutely nailed that look in her eyes! Brilliant!

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

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