Didn’t expect that – oil portrait painting progress shots

Getting down the first layer..it would have been easier if I had thinned the paint more because of the fat over lean rule. I’m used to painting with a knife, and thick paint, so this seemed thin to me at the time. Looking back, it wasn’t nearly thin enough. Next portrait, I’ll remember to thin it out. 

Somehow this week totally got away from me, and even though I meant to blog, I didn’t get the chance. I’m hyperfocused on painting right now, and I find myself getting up in the morning, immediately going to the studio, and painting until late evening. The days are whooshing by, and wow, it’s Labor Day weekend already. School started three weeks ago here. Summer’s basically over. 

first layer

The thing that’s got me entranced is portrait painting, once again. I had forgotten that I love it. I got so burned out on portraits that I started to hate the thought of ever having to paint another one, so I didn’t for almost 2 years. But then, USPS messed up, and lost my order. I had to do the right thing, and re-paint an oil portrait for my customer, and although I really dreaded doing it at first, I’ve been struck by the portrait painting bug ever since then. I simply can’t get enough. I’d go as far as saying I’m obsessed. 

What I used to find stressful about a portrait painting..the hours and hours you can spend just to shade in a nose or the side of a cheek, I now find so relaxing and enjoyable. I spent about four days on this painting, and at times, it looked awful. Surprisingly, it all worked out in the end. If it hadn’t, that would be fine, also. I’m not putting any pressure on myself to succeed. If one or several of the portraits don’t work out, then they don’t work out. Who cares? It’s only paint. Wipe it off, and move on. 

4th or 5th layer..I lost count, but it’s finished

I’ve had to wipe a couple of them, and start over again after spending a few hours trying to fix my mistakes. Notice I didn’t say “wasting time”. It wasn’t a waste at all. I took it all in stride, and considered it a learning process, and carried on. 

Making mistakes is something I used to beat myself up over, but I’m in a much more relaxed state of mind these days. I’m more forgiving of myself, and my limited capabilities. I am only human after all. 

Didn’t Expect That
6×6 inch hardboard
oil portrait painting
Available on Daily Paintworks

I named this one Didn’t Expect That. The slightly stunned expression on her face is how I feel about this new/old love of portrait painting once again resurfacing in my life. I didn’t expect to go back to painting portraits again – ever. Two years ago I was finished with portraits. DONE. Yet, look at me now.