Friday, March 23, 2012

P&P & PPF: A New Palette

If you've been following along with my blog over the last month, or so, you will know I've been focusing on improving my painting skills. I think it's fundamental to learn and fortunately there are so many great resources available online and in books that you can teach yourself quite easily.


I borrowed a copy of  William F. Powell's 'Color Mixing Recipes for Portraits' some time ago from the library, I found it so helpful that I got a few pages color copied for myself, and recently I decided to order my very on copy (which arrived a few weeks back). It's so helpful for skin tones, eye and hair colors. 


A new to me (Pre-loved 1976) book came in the mail! So excited. 

I have been looking at John Howard Sanden lately, he is a master at painting! His 29 steps to portrait painting is brilliant. I'm slowly putting what I've learnt into practice, I have set up my paint box with the colors to use for his Pro Mix Portrait Palette.  It will be interesting to see how it differs from the color palette I've been using (Powell's).   


A new palette (it's still in plastic!) to use my new color palette on. 

Oh did you notice that I've added more paint to the hen painting? If you scroll up to the first photo, you will see what it looked like before. Also I've just noticed that both the paintings on my desk have a very subtle 'Easter' theme, how did that happen? It was not intentional. Checking in with Paint Party Friday this week, I've missed you all!




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Posted by at 5:59 PM
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23 comments:

  1. Tracey FKMarch 23, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    I love what you are doing at the moment and seeing the progress .... I can't wait to have the chance to catch up so I can have a close look...xx

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    1. UnknownMarch 23, 2012 at 8:11 PM

      Tracey, I'm looking forward to catching up with you too!

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  2. NettyMarch 23, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    These books look wonderful and loving your painting. Happy PPF and enjoy the weekend, Annette x

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  3. Lesley EdmondsMarch 23, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Fascinating to see how you progress through your learning experiences Tracey. Your Hen Girl is coming along really well. Love her skirt and the blue eggs.

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  4. Šolanje na domu-WaldorfMarch 23, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    And it also helps when you have such talent as you. :) I adore those two little paintings. :)

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  5. carol l mckennaMarch 23, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    learning and talent ~ Wonderful! ~ love your art style ~thanks, wishing you a great weekend ~ namaste, carol ^_^

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  6. WrightStuffMarch 23, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    We just never stop learning and improving - that's what I love about art! Imagine if Michaelangelo had lived to be 500....

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  7. DebbieMarch 24, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    There are so many wonderful books and websites. I'm constantly amazed at the generous spirits many artists have. Sometimes I lack the patience to slow down, study, and learn color mixing techniques and just dive in without much forethought. You're an inspiration with your beautiful painting!

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  8. Geri March 24, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    You are so dedicated to your craft - you are an inspiration ♥

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  9. carlareyMarch 24, 2012 at 9:01 AM

    I think hardly a week goes by that I don't buy some artistic reference book, it's like having an instructor by your side all the time.

    It will be interesting to see how your palettes change with these new formulas.

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  10. angelselfMarch 24, 2012 at 9:10 AM

    Very nice, Tracey =) Kathryn

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  11. Katie Jeanne WoodMarch 24, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    Just when you think you get painting..right? There is always, always something new to learn.

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  12. ANNEMarch 24, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    You've done a great job on that painting. Love it! Good luck with the new books - do share anything wonderful you find out!

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  13. AnonymousMarch 24, 2012 at 12:39 PM

    I just love seeing your beautiful work. The hen painting is wonderful. I love the expression, the shading, and all about the girl in the painting.

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  14. Michele OliverMarch 24, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    Love your paintings. It is wonderful how much you can teach yourself using books and the internet. Great job!

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  15. Lynn CohenMarch 24, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    lovely work here! A nice composition...I like it very much.

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  16. Anne MandaMarch 24, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Great work, love the hen painting! Really nice use of light and color, beautiful depth! Happy PPF !

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  17. ChrisMarch 24, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    Your paintings are wonderful and the books look so cool. I never think to visit the library for something to help with my art but now I think I will now that you've prompted me. Thanks for that and I look forward to seeing how your painting is progressing :)
    hugs
    Chris x

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  18. GeckostoneMarch 25, 2012 at 12:10 AM

    The subtle Easter theme is fine! Excellent painting!!!!Deb

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  19. *jean*March 25, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    ooo how exciting! i love learning new things and your book looks great! and a new palette? well, that is the frosting on the cake! can't wait to see more!! hope you have a great week!

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  20. Heather FoustMarch 26, 2012 at 8:14 AM

    Beatiful Portraits!

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  21. MarjiMarch 28, 2012 at 3:38 AM

    I came by on PPF day and saw your post and the book Painting the Head in Oil. I loved your comments so I ordered the book. It arrived yesterday and I'm so excited. Thanks for posting about it. I can't wait to gleen out the stuff I need right now.
    Best,
    Marji.......x

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    1. UnknownMarch 28, 2012 at 11:10 AM

      Marji, So glad the post about the book was helpful. I'm in the process of reading through it and getting all I can from it's pages, I've just started, and I'm finding it extremely helpful. I hope to post more about it as I learn.

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