In lieu of my usual still life “Painting a day”, I took my charcoal sketch and covered it with a layer of oil paint. (To tell the truth, I liked it better as a charcoal sketch). I think I will keep working on this as an extended study. I want to refine and brighten the colors a bit, soften some of the edges, and give the figure better form.
This is a small charcoal sketch as a preliminary study. I’ll probably do a few of these before actually attempting a larger self-portrait in oil.
I’ve been chipping away at this painting again. My color and drawing issues are apparent… I’ll keep plugging away. Ah, the struggles. But the process and the journey are worth every bit of struggle. My paintings (and I!) grow through the awkward phases.
Here’s my first small study for my “Painting a Day” practice that I had mentioned I would try to do one day. I am starting with one or two a week and then seeing if I can build up to a work a day.
