This is an amazing piece. The lighting and sheer detail is "OOOOH". I guess miniature shrew hair brushes weren't even small enough for some of the painting?
Yeah, more factors than just the brush alone. It's good that you're experimenting and learning though, keeps the head fresh. Besides, when should we stop learning?
Thanks Nicole! I was afraid I bit off more than I could chew when I started painting her hair.
Working this small conserves paint and might be a little bit faster, but it's difficult to make convincing edges. I also don't have to step back from the painting to scrutinize it. The small size limits how much detail I can add, which i think forces me to be more painterly and I like being able to display highly detailed scans for that reason. All the principles are the same of course, but it seems simpler or less intimidating to do all my learning on very small (insignificant?) canvases. Going back to large paintings will be a shock, but I'll use that time to focus more on edges and brushstroke techniques (and learning how to work with oils).
Well, 'sketch cards' are getting popular enough that Strathmore has marketed them too...some smooth, bristol, for water color...even 'envelopes' to put them in. I saw them at Michael's.
Since you've worked both large and small, how do you feel about working on the card size in comparison?
Working this small conserves paint and might be a little bit faster, but it's difficult to make convincing edges. I also don't have to step back from the painting to scrutinize it. The small size limits how much detail I can add, which i think forces me to be more painterly and I like being able to display highly detailed scans for that reason. All the principles are the same of course, but it seems simpler or less intimidating to do all my learning on very small (insignificant?) canvases. Going back to large paintings will be a shock, but I'll use that time to focus more on edges and brushstroke techniques (and learning how to work with oils).