Friday 17 March 2017

Giselle Completed ....Again!

Still not where I want to be with oils yet , but still ... I think I'm getting there. I painted on a Burnt Sierra ground to warm up her finish  - which is why she looked like a redhead for a time. 




When I have been painting 'blondes' in the past I have tended to use a light-coloured background and then found myself having to warm up a pale face. 

                                                            'Giselle'                                        John Simlett
Oil on Stretched Cotton Canvas
31 x 23.5 inches
(79 x 60 cms)

Giselle is one of those rare creatures that has naturally blonde hair and deep brown eyes (Italian great grandmother), and I think that allows the Burnt Sierra to glow through. 




14 comments:

  1. Wonderful and expressive painting, Valerie

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  2. Very beautiful portrait painting and so nice colours ... Enjoyed !!!

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  3. Giselle is a gorgeous painting!!! She is beautiful. The warmth of your colors draws me into this portrait...Love it!!!
    Thank you for visiting my blog. I am happy that I have visited here and proud to be a follower!

    Have a wonderful day~
    Jan

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  4. So full of verve,dear John ... always "your" Giselle!!!

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    1. Grandparents understand these things, Rita, don't we?

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  5. Those eyes are mesmorising John! Portraits are not easy! You should have entered 'The Big Painting Challenge'... Did you watch it? You could have won! :0)

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    1. Yes a friend of mine got kicked out of the first round!

      You flatter me. thanks for the comment

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  6. Love the glow created by the sienna ground - I, too, like using that at times when doing a portrait. Your portrait of Giselle shows so much more than her likeness - it's downright wonderful, John!

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  7. Thank you, Susan. By the way, I use the sienna ground because you told me about it sometime ago .... it's how I learn :)

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