Portraits

For some reason, I think – both because I was getting a little bored doing what I know how to do well and needed a challenge; and because I’m somewhat masochistic – I decided a while ago to do a couple of portraits.  An absolutely gorgeous friend of mine sat for some photos back in January, and I’ve been working on two 2′x3′ oils from that shoot for a bit.  It’s been interesting and challenging, frustrating and… and I’ve walked away from them for a bit, come back etc…  Just spent some good time on one of them today something really shifted.  There are still some drawing problems – the face is still too wide, and not quite long enough, but something came alive in the eyes today (and even though I’m still having problems with the lips, she is starting to smile…).