It is amazing what has happened while allowing myself space.

I’ve slowed down so much, that old concerns that I will do nothing start to poke at me. But, the truth is: for doing less, I am accomplishing more. Instead of keeping busy, I am moving forward.

After my gouache workshop last month, I decided to dive into gouache. For better or for worse, I wanted to jump into portraits. I made this decision even though I can’t find a single online tutorial for gouache portraits where I actually like the outcome.

My outcomes have been mixed.

I decided to work on self-portraits. Not only do I have a lot of source material, it keeps me from trying to create something to sell. Also, in this season of self-contemplation, I’m learning to accept what I see, not what I want to see.

Both of these sketches, first in watery gouache and the second graphite, were done in the evening looking into a mirror. This is the first time I have tried to work from a mirror.

I have to admit these are pretty harsh self portraits. From here I decided to do more planning and work from a photo.

(above) The photo I am working from (NYE 2011 in Reno, NV) next to my initial composition on a wood panel.

(below) My watercolor underpainting next to the work I did in gouache.

I am happy with how this turned out. It isn’t complete, but I felt it reached a point where I would only loose what I accomplished if I continued. It is worth noting that I used watercolor ground on the wood for the watercolor underpainting, and I then added a layer of acrylic medium before painting with gouache.

Perhaps this past attempt gave me too much confidence. Perhaps I didn’t consider the process and materials as carefully, but my next attempt didn’t go as well. For one, my initial drawing isn’t as close to accurate.

(above) A recent photo of me, my initial sketch, and the addition of gouache onto watercolor paper.

(below) I washed off the above attempt, and used a print out of the photo to place features more accurately on the watercolor paper first with a sketch and then with watercolor. I spent a lot time mixing skin tones in gouache. I added acrylic medium over the watercolor this time, and then got as far as this last image (below, right).

I improved, but ultimately felt frustration with my ability to mix appropriate colors. I suspect it will take a lot of practice and more paint than I have on hand. Since the gouache I have is pricey, I may need to learn color mixing in a different medium to feel less constrained by the availability of paint.

After hiding these attempts from view in my studio - I needed a break - I took a break to wash my brushes and pack for portrait group, which I was very much looking forward to. I decided to work with watercolor on wood treated with transparent watercolor ground. I’m enjoying the process of working with this combination of materials.

Jenn at Whitmore Lake Portrait Group. 1-3:30p live model with breaks.

While I didn’t quite capture the angle of Jenn’s forehead and chin, and I lengthened her face (something I tend to do), I am very happy with many elements of this painting.

I’ve been binge-watching Portrait Artist of the Year, a British show (found on Amazon Prime) where initial heats of artists paint a live model in 4 hours. I love it. My youngest kiddo and I have watched several seasons.

No matter the skill level of the artists, it is so interesting to see how they start and what their process is. If nothing else, it illustrates that there are many ways to go about creating.

This is what I’ve been up to in my studio in July. I’m going to take a break from gouache for the moment. I’ll let it simmer for a bit.

As I mentioned in my last Studio Update, I’m not spending time on Facebook or Instagram. Instead, I’ve been reading and working through other important adulting tasks, including researching candidates and voting in local primaries.

I wish you a wonderful rest of your summer.