My goodness, this was a workout!  I’ve learned reasonably well how to paint most subjects so far, but portraits have eluded me.  Starting with skin/eyes seemed like a safer start than trying a whole face.

I’ve never used hot pressed paper before, and found it very odd to paint on compared to my usual cold pressed or rough.  Blending was difficult and water soaked in really quickly.  The only hot pressed I had was cellulose, and judging by how badly it tore when I removed the tape I suspect some of my issues might just be related to the quality/type of paper.  I’ll get some cotton hot pressed paper in my usual brand for my next attempt and see if that helps.

Regarding the paintings themselves, I included my first attempt, which is terrible, to encourage my fellow students who may also be having difficulties  to persevere! My second attempt (which I did two days later after watching the lessons again) while not great is much better I think, so I just need more practice.  I feel like the wrinkle lines are a bit too stark and things are not blended very well.  But I’m going to keep at it.

Thank you Tanja for this class!  It was very helpful and I look forward to trying your other eye and skin tone classes as well.

 

First attempt 

Second attempt