Painting Progression: Elizabeth

After starting with a series of studies to work out the light and dark areas of the painting, I was ready to transfer the image to canvas. The sketches also help me to think about composition. Extra care taken during this phase helps with proportions and to create a correct likeness of the subject for the finished canvas. Extra care was especially given to the eyes and smile to convey the personality of my model and her obvious attempt to stifle a laugh.

Laid in initial paint in face and the beginnings of shadow and highlight. Many layers to come.

Laid in the dark areas of the painting and the rest of the skin tones. Worked very different with this third portrait of the family since I usually start with an underpainting of a wash composed of brown and navy mixed. I also usually complete most of the background before working on the figure. Pros and cons to both techniques but I believe I prefer the former because of the charcoal absorbed by the paint. Had to add several extra layers to compensate.

Almost finish. Just a few minor adjustments and background layers to finish up and then I will be ready to varnish. So much fun!