Memory Portrait of Curly - Stage 6

by Carol McIntyre on 10/2/2009 11:48:40 AM3 Comments

Is Curly starting to show his personality?

Ah-h-h, I am starting to 'feel' Curly surfacing. Are you?

As you can see, various colors and values (lights and darks) have been applied. The background colors have been subdued a little but I want to keep the energy. I took the risk of starting to paint his "bangs" because I wanted to see how they would look, but now I cannot go behind that hair to change the background colors!

Various reds were added to the halter to give it some dimension, and I painted the halter very painterly. Why? Since it is red, which is an eye catching color, I don't want to give it too much attention, otherwise the viewer will spend too much time looking at the halter and not at Curly. There is a lot of push-pull that goes on when creating a painting. It is one of our many artistic challenges. I enjoy it because I like the 'intellectual play' that it involves.

I have not done much more with his eye, and will work on it shortly. Not sure how much to detail to give the eye because I need to know how much of his hair will be covering it. Also, I am wondering if his white heart shaped marking needs to be elongated. One of my dilemnas has been trying to figure out what colors to use for his highlights because if they are too light or white, they look like white markings. So far, the bluish-gray around his nostrils seem to be working.

Any reactions to Curly at this point?

...to be continued.

3 Responses to Memory Portrait of Curly - Stage 6

	suzie tiller via mcintyrefineart.com	28 months ago
	I do see Curly coming alive. I'm wondering if his mane and forelock will be longer? I think the heart shape is good. In the beginning I wasn't sure but with the color added it looks like his heart! I like the highlighting. I would like to see him a little blacker? Does that make since? Not sure exactly what I mean by that. His muzzle is great! I really like how that is highlighted. I do see his personality in this portrait! That is amazing to me.

	Carol McIntyre via mcintyrefineart.com	28 months ago
	Great feedback, Suzie! Yes I plan to make him look blacker and his forlock and mane longer. It's kinda hard to visualize what I, the artist, has to do to convey certain colors, emotions, etc. It's sorta like you are thinking backwards. Glad you are haning in there and enjoying the process. I like sharing it.

	Carol McIntyre via mcintyrefineart.com	28 months ago
	Thank you so much, Rick!

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