Hello Friends!

Today I completed the first lesson of my portrait course with Kara Bullock which is just laying in the underpainting. I decided to do mine on a birchwood panel instead of canvas, because I’ve never used one before. Also, I didn’t put any primer on it, though, because I wanted to see what it would be like to paint on smooth wood. The pattern of the grain is interesting.

First I printed out a black and white copy of the photo Kara uses in her demonstration in an 8×10 size to fit my substrate. I decided to put carbon paper on my surface and draw the outline of the photo with pencil to transfer the image onto the wood. Next I drew grid lines on the photo dividing it in 16 squares. I did the same to my image on the wood. I realized I should have drawn my grid lines first. Then I could have drawn the girl using the grid to transfer her instead, but I got ahead of myself!

I will be using Golden’s acrylics for this painting. Kara shows how to use Burnt Umber Light mixed with water to paint the lighter parts of her face. Next she mixes Carbon Black with Pyrrole Red for the darker shadows and outline. For the background I used some carbon black mixed with a lot of water to lay in a lighter color for now.

These colors are new to me, so I am excited for the next stage which I may work on tomorrow.

I went to physical therapy twice this week. They gave me two more rubberband exercises to do for my shoulder. And I can start drawing with my right hand again! Of course, I have to start with five minutes, timed, once a day the first week, and can add five minutes a week afterwards. So today I timed myself and was able to transfer the image with my right hand. So that’s exciting! I did the rest with my left.

Have a wonderful day and give someone you love a big hug! 😀