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Well these are my first attempts at a style of portrait…
I bought a couple of palette knives the other day and really like using them. I have painted several canvases over and over again just with one colour enjoying myself. Tried a few different things and all looked pretty crappy… HOWEVER it is possible to cover it all up and start again!
So this is new for me and generally I’m trying not to be too worried about how a picture turns out and instead have a bit of fun!
(Hover the mouse over the portraits to see the originals)
Martin’s portrait was much harder and is not as effective as the other, partly because it’s more fiddley and I had to use a paintbrush and so the paint’s not as thick and there are little gaps. Anyone know anything about these things? Tips? Ah well. Live and learn!
7 Comments
Hey! I love the cathedral, it’s great! The sky is fantastic, definitely gives the picture a mood spiritual and emotional….
Great portrait of Martin, looks amazing.
Would love to see it in 3 D!
You need to sign them chica!
These look great! Looking forward to seeing more!
Hi Gayle
We haven’t met – I only know Martin from his last visit to Bradford, West Yorkshire, but I’ve been keeping up with your letters and am so interested in your being in Spain. Spain has always been of love of mine since spending 2 Summers on the Costa del Sol with World Horizons doing outreach (don’t ask how many years ago…!) Last year I was blessed to be able to spend a couple of weeks on the Costa Blanca with my family (husband Andy & 2 teenage kids Grace & Alex) We flew through Alicante. We had a wonderful trip to Valencia on the train – a recommended way to see the countryside and get a feel for peoples’ daily lives)
I was actually prompted to write to you after looking at your paintings. I studied Fine Art as a student and still do a bit of drawing & painting.
I can see that you’re using a grid system to transfer the image to canvas. If you paint the canvas with a light background colourwash before drawing out the grid you’ll get a better base and be able to build up colour which will give you more depth and no more gaps! Happy painting!
For an update on what’s just happened in Bradford see:
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/8359932.VIDEO__Large_numbers_for_EDL_protest_and_counter_demonstration_in_Bradford_city_centre/
We prayed over this site with Martin (and many of us still do). The Dean of the Cathedral went to the site to reclaim it after the protests, sprinkling holy water – all documented by the local paper – fantastic.
Much love to you both
Debbie Wood
Thanks a lot Debbie, great idea and much smoother with a base! Thanks again
Glad you enjoyed Spain it’s a fascinating place.
Keep up the painting! I’d love to see some your work. I really am just beginning.
Martin says hi and great news about the dean.
Hi Gayle,
Its great to see that you have started to paint. I say started, you may have been painting before. I think they are great…………you’re a natural! The use of a palette knife is a great idea. This keeps the the whole painting really fluid and stops us from being obsessed by detail. Keep it up mate I love them. You also have a natural eye for colour etc. Umm! That sounds like I am trying to be an expert and of course there is nothing further from the truth! I buy most of my oils on the internet, so much cheaper than the shops, is that where you buy yours?
I think you’ll be selling soon!
Have a blessed week, Adrian
AHHH!!!… Gayle, I didn’t know you painted. I LOVE your site/blog! By the way…. this is Lori from Gateway in Olympia
I painted for the very first time 10 days ago and LOVED it. Am looking forward to playing around with it some more. Blessings on you both and a safe journey as you continue your travels!
Love to you,
Lori
Thanks Lori! What did you paint and what kind of paint do you use? Would love to see your work! We really really enjoyed our time with you! Lots of love to you. xxx