New Addition "Mt Palisades"

Here's a glimpse of my latest painting, inspired by a photo captured during a hike at Mississippi Palisades Park in Savanna, IL. Upon reviewing the photo, I felt compelled to introduce mountains into the background to enhance visual interest. Drawing inspiration from the work of my favorite photographer,

Thomas Mangelsen, I embarked on my first venture into mountain landscapes, also experimenting with a palette knife for the first time, a departure from my usual brush technique.

Initially, wielding the palette knife felt awkward, given my familiarity with brushes. As I navigated the interplay of knife and paint, realizing my envisioned image proved challenging. Over the years, this painting underwent numerous transformations. There were moments where I contemplated starting anew, yet I persisted, layering paint upon paint.

At times, I found satisfaction in its evolution, only to later mar it with additional textures that detracted from its essence. For nearly a decade, the canvas languished in a corner, until I resolved to reinvigorate it with fresh strokes.

Photograph by Diana Van Baale
at Mississippi Palisades Park

Photograph by Thomas Mangelsen

How Many Steps Does It Take To Create A Painting?

The painting process varies with each painting.

Update 2024: More than a decade later and I still have yet to sign it into completion.

"Emalee" Oil Portrait Complete

After six long months...I finally called it quits on this painting. I had so many issues with this painting that I must say I am relieved to move on to my next project. When learning how to's....on a painting that means so much can cause much unwanted stress. This portrait was not a commissioned piece but one I am planning on giving my daughter for a graduation gift. My goal was realism but as you can see it is far from that. I need to get real and realize, realism is not my thing.

Glazing

After a couple weeks, I put this back on my easel to try and create a more realistic piece. I used several glazing applications. I am afraid I have much to learn with this technique.

I believe it helped and I will continue putting several more glazes on hoping it will accomplish what I want!

Will I ever finish...

Another layer added and many more after that. I was not liking the color of my darkest shadow. So I painted over again and again. I also darkened the eyes then lightened them again.

The green background was not doing it for me. I decided to painted over it.

After much frustration, I finally had to put this project to rest in order to come back later with fresh eyes.

Portrait Painting Progress

I have added a few more layers since my last post. I had to darken some of the shadows and darkened the eyes. The eyes and the mouth have been two of my biggest challenges. With each new layer added I feel it is beginning to take shape. There are several more layers I want to add before it becomes complete. I will post more as I progress.

The Layering Continues

Each and every layer creates more depth but it is also creating a change in my subjects face. Not so sure I am liking the transformation.

As the last layer dried it looked a little chalky. I went in and added more warmth and deepened my shadows with a cooler tone.

There is much I have to learn before my painting can be considered "realism"... practice, practice, practice!

I will continue posting my transitions as I complete them.