A couple of years ago, I took a photo of a little girl playing down at the Waterfront Park in Louisville. I fell in love with the expression on her face and thought she was adorable. Since I have been painting children portraits, I thought I would give her a shot. Before starting, I did a thumbnail sketch, a value study and a color study. I use a laptop computer sitting next to my easel to paint from, since I feel the monitor (and eliminating the printing process) gives more accurate colors and values, plus I can enlarge or zoom into an area that I need to see more clearly. In her hair, I used Raw Umber, Perm Rose, Ultramarine Blue, and Permanent Brown. Skin tones were made with the same colors I use for all skin types and that is Raw Sienna, Ultramarine Blue and Quinacridrone Rose with Quinacridrone Coral. In areas, I used Cobalt Violet, Perinone Orange and Opera for lighting enhancements. The completed painting is on Arches 300lb. cold pressed watercolor paper; I used Daniel Smith and Holbein paints.

Image Size 18×14″    For purchase information, please contact me.