| Author | Message | ||
  Robert |
The ego, wrapped in its own pomposity, mistakes the light of its own self-importance, for the light of Universal Mind. This is called ignorance. | ||
Linda |
Just for fun! Three Proofs that Jesus was Puerto Rican: His first name was Jesus. He was bilingual. He was always being harrased by the authorities. Three Proofs that Jesus was Italian: He talked with his hands. He had wine with every meal. He worked in building trades. Three Proofs that Jesus was Black: He called everybody "brother". He liked Gospel. He couldn't get a fair trial. Three Proofs that Jesus was a Californian: He never cut his hair. He walked around barefoot. He started a new religion. | ||
Linda |
Raleigh, disagreed. An example: The universe often shows someone they need to quit drinking (perhaps a DUI, loved one crying, the many ways God speaks through others). It hurts to quit drinking! But overall, it is better for all beings to do this thing, God knows this. There are innumerable other examples I could think of, and if you like, I'll list a few more, just ask. Have moved many times recently, and my purse Bible I'm having trouble locating at the moment. Would like you to type in the verse you were thinking of, if you would like to debate this further. Prepare yourself for such an ordeal, for I believe kings and/or others who craved power added and subtracted things in the Bible (namely, reincarnation truths have been subtracted, I feel, so I don't believe EVERYTHING the Bible "says"). Also, if you'd like to continue our discussion here, to keep information on this thread condensed and simple to access for the beginner, let us please continue our friendly debate upon the "Gabbing" thread, perhaps, or whatever you see is most fit. | ||
tachee |
my husband once asked me to do a portrait of him. hmmmmmm. so i did. i did a graphite of his things. his desk with his favorite books, pens,his fav coffee mug, an old gun...well you get the point. i did him, sorta. our kids adored it and knew right away it was dads desk. had to make copies for all. | ||
Raliegh |
Linda, God never asks anyone to do anything that will hurt them. Saying so is blasphemeous. John 1:1 tell us God is the Word, read it and you'll know more of Him and how he'd have you act. | ||
tachee |
oh. yeah. it was nice to get my sunday sermon out of the way on tuesday. | ||
tachee |
eugene, i love this. such a dreamy quality to this boy. | ||
Linda |
Yes, Robert. To me, God means "the universe." God may speak to me through any one of y'all, too. I know when God has spoken because I feel it. Look under the thread of "Top Ten Things To Do While The Paint Dries" and you will see how I came to this decision. I am a servant of the Lord. When He has spoken to me and I know it is right, I do it no matter how much it hurts me. I fear no one on this planet, however, I do fear the Lord! If we do not do what we know is right in our hearts, we will pay for it, I believe. | ||
Robert |
Linda--below you talk about God making us and valuignus and our talent. Is He the one telling you to withhold sharing your tips for cash? "These artists can easily BE the best to many people. I've enjoyed viewing both of these artists' works. My work is completely different, however. My idea of the best is unique. Please see that each of us can become the best individuals - God makes no two the same, and no two opinions the exact same. The uniqueness of each is what IS so valued by Him." | ||
Robert |
The interplay between the quilt and the Amish boy is quite striking , Eugene. This is really nice. | ||
Eugene |
My one try at portraiture  | ||
Eugene |
Robert I think Nuttall's portraits are super-- My kind of painter.. He doesn't just copy a photo, but really gets into the personality of the sitter. Wonderful free watercolor technique. | ||
Linda |
Now to condense the tips I have already given: 1. My biggest secret is an education like Leo Da Vinci had. 2. I show you how to get it. 3. I tell you the secret to becoming the best in the world is to surround yourself with the best. 4. Not being ordinary has something to do with being the best in the world. 5. I pass along another secret that I have found to be true also, after you've done a few portraits, you get the hang of it. It becomes easy faster than you think! What do I think of these artists? I think of y'all first, that's why I'm here on this forum. Y'all HAVE the idea of surrounding yourself with the best. These artists are wonderful! I so enjoy the vastly differing styles y'all share here. I hope MANY more links like these are offered on this particular thread so others may find what they seek. What is the best in my eyes is often not the best in someone else's eyes, however. God makes us each !!unique and precious!! Just because I think so and so is the best does not make it so according to the rest of the world. The individual's idea of what is best is what I'm after. These artists can easily BE the best to many people. I've enjoyed viewing both of these artists' works. My work is completely different, however. My idea of the best is unique. Please see that each of us can become the best individuals - God makes no two the same, and no two opinions the exact same. The uniqueness of each is what IS so valued by Him. | ||
Dake |
Ted's portraits are very attractive. My only doubt about them are the extraneous dabs of the brush for reasons of decoration or affectation. A bit cute for me. | ||
Robert |
Linda-- The only tip , after several requests from several people, is "surround yourself with the best. Is that a painting tip? What do you think of Ted Nuttal's portraits? http://www.tednuttall.com/paintings.html | ||
Robert |
They appear to be carefully copied photos. | ||
Eric |
After seeing Guan Weixing's work, I have a feeling Linda just became the world's number 2 watercolor portrait artist. | ||
Dake |
Oh I was going to add. If your not better than Guan Weixing just ignore my request to see your work. He's the best I've come across. http://www.guanweixing.com/index.html | ||
Dake |
Linda, your funnier than me, one needs a sense of humor to paint in watercolour. Love to see your work. Mine is available for perusal at: www.davidburge.org I'd appreciate any tips you may have to improve what I'm doing. | ||
grace |
As a w/c portrait artist, I am very interested in seeing your website, Linda. Please post. Or post a few images here. | ||
tachee |
why do i sense a qvc moment coming? | ||
Donna |
Linda, Where can we see some of your paintings? | ||
anon |
The first question. How could I become the best and still retain humility? | ||
Linda |
Please ask questions now. | ||
Linda |
Another tip: Surround yourself with the best, and soon you will become the best, yourself. When I started portraiture, I looked online to see what others were doing. Only one artist did anything near what I thought was professional quality work in transparent watercolors. I asked her questions so I could learn. Funny how close-lipped she was, but she did say one thing that was true, "Do a few, and you'll get the hang of it." This was, in essence, the only advice she gave. At this time, as far as I know, she still does the best quality work (besides me, because I've caught up to her), however, I feel I have a better "artist's eye." My client's poses are more eye-catching than hers. There was one other artist whose painting technique was not at the same level as the artist I just talked about, but this new artist's clients' poses were so beautiful, all could agree her clients look superb because her artist's eye was miles above the rest. I learned from her not to be ordinary. There are portrait places online. Try strokeofgenius.com, I think that's one that I checked out. Surround yourself with the best. Learn from them. At this time, I am the best transparent watercolor portrait artist in the world, that I know of. No one I have seen comes even close to my work, except the two artists I have just mentioned. I exceed them because I have the desire to. I know what to shoot for. And I have many more tips to share, as well!!! | ||
Linda |
Portrait tip extraordinaire: "Facial Expressions" is a book that is currently for sale in the better bookstores. It is the only of its kind !!in history!! as far as I know. We all know Leo Da Vinci and the better artists did muscle studies of the human body in order to portray humanity better. Well, this book studies the muscles of the face. This book can turn an intermediate painter with desire to succeed into an excellent portrayer of any face, in any medium. I guarantee that any painter with desire to succeed who purchases this book can become great. This is one of my biggest secrets! | ||
carol |
Dake and SutureSelf.... I also want to say WOW on your portraits.....they are done very well. I don't paint ( or haven't tried to do yet) people. Good job. | ||
Dake |
G'day Kukana, Good to see you back, even if only briefly between gigs. You'll have to share some of that education when you get the time. | ||
Kukana |
Hey Dake...I love your new posts on this thread. As I have been off doing shows I've not really had a chance to check in. Its fun seeing all the news. Susture Self...What can I say? You are amazing. I love your illustrations. So gifted! I'd tell you all about my trip and shows but alas, I am too tired! They we very successful but at great physical, emotionl and mental cost. Im beat tired and trying to gain energy for the next round to start in 3 weeks. I have learned so much I could write a book. Every show taught me so much about both the business and my art. I can't even describe it all. Its been a marvelous education. | ||
John Preston |
Dear Desperate no more, Glad to be of help. This site has been a great help to me,too. Thoughts on an "earth freindly" palette: I really don't think we need to consider ourselves industrial polluters. We use relatively tiny amounts of substances that are of more potential harm to ourselves than the earth. After all, there are large concentrated deposits of these substances in the earth already: The veins from they are mined, a natural phenomenon. If you are concerned about where your rinse water is going (a legitimate concern), I would say the real danger is preventing it from going somewhere it could be ingested by you or your family or pets. I've been pouring mine on an Impatien that is over-wintering in a south window. It's bloomed steadily and my wife claims the color of the blooms is stronger than usual. Choose a palette that is functional and appealing to you and inspire your veiwers! | ||
Dake |
Hi Cathy, There's limited space, like only about 4-5 sq yards each so i will only take about 5 framed 1/2 sheet max framed, may do 50 prints with mat and shrink wrapped only. Cards will be "frowned" upon i think to avoid falling into the "craft" genre. The organizers have made it clear that"fine" will only be allowed. Same applies to the ceramicists "gallery" pieces only. I't takes the pressure off a bit i think as i've never really done anything but this type of thing. I mean I've been slow to make much of a commercial enterprise out of my painting...so far. | ||
DESPERATE! no more |
You have helped me so mucch! John recommended to get away from thalos, and because of him I decided to try a different blue. I happened to check my notes from handprint.com, and there were the particle sizes of the different paints, and lo and behold, the mud-making reason was there. All the particle sizes were approx. the same size, all swimming together. I used ultramarine instead (trying for an earth-friendly palette). What a difference! Then, Suture reminded me I was dangerously mixing my warms and cools. Thank you for all your help, thank you, thank you! I was so desperate I asked online (end of rope) and you guys came through with flying colors. I'll always remember you! Any ideas on an earth-friendly palette? No cadmiums, no cobalts, whaddaya think? What's a good portrait palette AND nontoxic? | ||
Cathy |
Dake, how many pieces are you taking to the festival? Are you doing any prints or note cards? It sounds like a lot of fun. Congratulations on the prize for your pears! I don't know about any cliche on pears but I have always loved paintings of them. A well known artist here in Utah did a whole show of pears a couple of years ago. So it ap~pears someone must like them! | ||
Dake |
Thanks Cathy, I have been busy with fitting paining into small spaces of time. My holidays start mid March so will really have a good splash then. Actually I've been invited to participate in a festival over the Easter weekend. it involves 20 artists 3 watercolourists, the rest will be ceramics, sculpture, pastel and acrylic. All gallery quality, no craft allowed...should be fun but scary some very professional, well credentialled artists are involved which is more frightening than the demo bit i think. We have to do demonstrations and talk about how we work to the public....daunting! Also there's some space to show and opportunity to sell. I will need to get my technique sharpened up so as not to look like an idiot(not easy as you would have guessed by some of my postings). Thanks for the positive remarks about the pears known as "Rib Ticklers", my "arty" brother in law mocks me whenever he sees my fruit...is there some unwritten rule about pears? He seems to think the fruit genre is a cliche. Oh well i won $1200 as 1st prize in a juried exhibition 18 months ago by just painting 4 small pears on a 1/8 sheet. So i just remind him of that and he goes very quiet. Sorry for boasting...no really... but just in case some of you know the "secret" about why pears are dumb, sometimes judges don't know about it and i just struck it lucky. | ||
Cathy |
Dake! You have been busy! There are a lot of new pieces on your website. I love the RibTicklers. Did you say you were taking a month off or something.... I can't remember exactly what you said, but it looks like you've put in some painting time. Really nice work! Where is that Lex? Cathy | ||
Dake |
Thanks Cathy, John and Suture(now there's talent) It's good to see your still around. NOW WHERE'S LEX JENKINS ??? Cathy if there's anything i can offer in any way please ask. However I've seen some of your work and it is impressive.The Sonny Boy II portrait was from a B/W photo and for those of you that have seen my webpage know that i have a special interest in Blues artists of the past. They reek soul and style. I am particularly happy with a John Lee Hooker portrait from his later years. I don't like to use this board to "promote" myself but for those interested: www.geocities.com/daki98 | ||
John Preston |
Sutureself, Also VERY nice work, especially the expression of Westmorland's face, and the way you placed him caught in all the events and personalities. | ||
Cathy |
Dake, I love your paintings! You say so much and give alot of detail with just the color and some very nice drawing. That is really a talent you have there. I would like to take a class from you, ok? Suture, you're not primarily a watercolorist??? I want to be like you when I grow up. :-) | ||
John Preston |
Wow, Dake, Really liked your portrait of Sonny Boy II. Seems like most of the photos from that time were B&W, so the color interpretation is impressive. | ||
SutureSelf |
Okay, Dake. I've been lurking, but I haven't had much to offer lately. I usually don't comment on watercolor threads, because I'm not primarily a watercolorist, but here's a watercolor illustration I did for a children's history book. It includes portraits, so it might be appropriate.  In doing it, I made sure my drawing was satisfactory before I started applying color. Then I worked glazes and layers. I worked mostly wet-on-dry. The particular colors don't really matter. My concerns were for warms and cools. I was careful to control the glazes by painting them into the areas I was sure needed them and keeping them out of other areas. When you glaze, DESPERATE!, it isn't necessary to put every color everywhere, like in a four-color print. That can be a recipe for lost control. Paint around areas where you think the color you're using might not work. Use a clean, wet brush to feather the edges of your glaze. If you change your mind, you can always put it in later. Make sure your painting is dry before you start the next layer. Work generally from light to dark and take it easy and you shouldn't have any problem. Hope this helps. Good luck. Jerry | ||
Dake |
Hmmm, it's come out much darker than it really is. | ||
Dake |
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Dake |
Okay here's another one just to take up some more space. Where's Kukana, Cathy, Lex,Carol,Suture etal?? Missin ya!! This is a loose interpretation of my little girl Erin nearly 18 months old. /image{dakeart0009} | ||
Dake |
The portrait below is in burnt sienna, alizarin(don't leave out in the sun),ultramarine,raw sienna. I know this is not the "Post your paintings here thread" but i could'nt find the appropriate place. Things have gone far too quiet here larely! | ||
dake |
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John Preston |
Desperate, I know many artists associate the earth colors with mud but I've found single glazes of them are often clearer and more glowing than several superimposed glazes of "clear" reds, yellows and blues. A naturally subdued pigment(like Burnt Sienna) is going to be less muddy than 3 bright pigments mixed or glazed. I'm talking about Siennas mixed with a fair amount of water, of course. Try some thin mixes of an earth red with Raw Sienna or Yellow Ochre on a test sheet. You have warm and cool earth reds, too: Indian Red is cool and purplish, Burnt Sienna is warm and orangey in a lot of brands. If you are using blues in your mixes and glazes I would avoid Pthalo Blue and use something more delicate like Cobalt. That might solve it right there. I know Pthalo is rated "Transparent" and Cobalt as "Opaque" but that's misleading. They're ALL fairly transparent with enough water but some remain very assertive and "stain" colors underneath, Pthalo Blue being exhibit#1. Save Pthalo for clothing and backgrounds. Sargent made great flesh tones with what looks like a palette of Burnt and Raw Sienna, an Umber, Cobalt and Viridian( WAY less powerful than Pthalo Green). That about taps my expertise, anyone else? | ||
DESPERATE! |
Please give me all the advice you can think of! I am painting a close-up portrait of a baby. I've done two so far, can't get the skin tones right. First I tried glazes. I found the order to be: yellow (then let dry), red (then dry), then blue AND NO MORE! Then the color looked wrong, so I mixed up flesh tone, blush tone, and plain blue for shading. I came up with mud. Using thalos and transparents, keeping clean brushes and water, but where the blue meets the blush it turns PURPLE! Mud, mud MUD! I even considered never painting again (but I see potential). What is it that needs to "click" in my mind to get this to work? Only two layers of color? Then why do others have 100 glazes and success? | ||
Winston Smith |
Dear Friends, Can any of you recommend a good book on W/C portraiture? I've looked at the book "Painting Watercolor Portraits that Glow", and it was pretty good. But I want my portraits to be more realistic. Any suggestions? | ||
mimcarol |
Hi, Winston - Try "Painting Watercolor Portraits", by Al Stine - he presents the more realistic coloring you're after - that's why I bought it. |
