For my next portrait I have decided to try another masterpiece; The Girl with a Pearl Earring.
I love re-creating famous paintings like this because I really get into the details. This painting seems simple in its elegance until trying to re-create it. It is only then that I realize the nuances that went into its creation. The color layering and blending are really intricate. I love the sharp contrast of the golden yellow and royal blue against the dark background. I think the original may have been determined to be an olive green but I think black really makes the colors pop.
There are SO many colors that went into making this.
The eyes are always such a challenge. They are kind of murky in the painting. Once I finish the eyes the painting really comes to life for me and inspires me to keep going.
The gown/robe/dress that she is wearing looks golden at first but upon much closer inspection contains a multitude of colors.
I have always admired this painting but, I have to say, after carefully trying to recreate it, there is a special kind of love and appreciation I have now. It is the same with all the portraits. I feel an intimate connection to them after having examined every microscopic detail and spending many hours visually deconstructing and then reconstructing all the individual parts. It is what compels me to keep making more; the gift of discovering the magic of all these great faces!!!
Hope you are all getting through February smoothly. I am dreaming of Spring, my favorite season (tied with fall!
Thanks for following my portrait adventures!
Warmly,
Pam