Tattoos

Not quite finished....

I am planning to show a collection of my portrait paintings and drawings at the public library here in Joshua Tree next month, and I wanted to have a couple of new paintings in the show. For the first time EVER, I painted a portrait entirely from a photograph. Usually, I paint from a live sitting, and if I use a photo, it is only to finish the painting. It's always good to try new things. This is what I learned:

1.Working from a photograph is so much easier than working from life (why haven't I tried it sooner?)
2. I think I CAN paint believable tattoos now
3. it is easier to get a likeness when working from a  photograph
4. I don't ever want to paint a t-shirt with words on it ever again. (especially not upside down words.)
5. I find noses very challenging

The other part about the weekend's portrait painting that was a revelation was because of those tattoos and the t-shirt. I had finished everything else about the painting, and I was avoiding the logo on the shirt and those tattoos like the plague. I had even signed and photographed the painting. The painting sat overnight before I realized that the tattoos are part of this woman. Whether or not I successfully painted them, I had to try. If I wanted to capture who this woman really was, those tattoos were essential. It was very hard for me to pick up my brush again and tackle those tattoos. (and that t-shirt!) I was afraid that if I couldn't get the tattoos to look right, the whole painting would be ruined. That would also mean one less painting for the show. Oh, but deadlines can be a curse!

"Kate." Oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches. ©Karine Swenson 2012

I have yet to hear what my lovely model thinks of this painting of herself, but I feel like I made some huge strides forward. Facing fear and overcoming it is so incredibly satisfying.