Looking more mature...

Spent a little while this afternoon aging myself, very depressing! I've started tp block out the main areas of colour and lights and darks. I've some intesting textures to explore, the light from the window is bringing out the demin and the wool of my jumper.

It's me!

Well it will be, once I've aged it by ten years, I'm looking very fresh faced, not the true post kids haggard self! I've been thinking for a while I'd like to attempt a self portrait. This year I turn 40, and I think its a milestone that makes you have to acknowledge you are now middle aged, and life has left its mark on your face!
Obviously this painting is about my likeness, however its also about the way my weight is distributed in the pose. I have cropped this hopefully so the pose will create interesting shapes within the composition. Its hard not to be vain when painting yourself, I took a snap shot to capture the pose, however have spent several hours today peering into a mirror, prodding at various baggy and saggy bits! I must also mention this is a A3 pastel painting on pastelmat.

Spencer in the flowers

I took this in hand today! First I did a bit of a crop, the balance wasn't working for me. Then, generally tried to bring some order to it. I made some definite decisions on my palette and the balance of colour throughout the painting. I also added some more colour to Spencer who had been left looking washed out. Now I pondering, not sure where to take this or to call it done.

Not sure I'm totally in control yet!

Had a good bash at this today. Lots of colours using gouache and pastel. Spencer now looks like he's in need of some more tone. Its all very wild at the moment, I feel I need to get control of it!