Wednesday, December 16, 2009

It's Getting To Look A Lot Like Christmas

This is an 11"X14" acrylic on canvas that I painted at a live model session last Saturday evening from 6PM to 9PM. I'm slow. It's still not done. I shall complete it from the ref. photo I took. That damn sleeping cap kept changing position every time the model came back from his 5 minute break. Colors used: Napthol Red, Cad, Red, Cad. Yellow Light, Burnt Umber, Pythalo Blue, and Titanium White. This is my idea of a limited palette although I guess I could have limited it to maybe four colors. Limited palettes is less confusing to work with, harmonizes your painting, and forces you to mix colors. With that said, have a rollicking good season, whatever your holiday might be!... could this skinny old man with attitude be reading a Kwansa story? In reality, his prop was titled "Flattops", a book about aircraft carriers, which, by the way, is the traditional book for the Festivas holiday.

24 comments:

Kathy Kreidler said...

I really enjoy seeing your paintings in progress.

Kathy said...

David, I thought this was another self portrait and I was going to tell you...nice legs. lol
I, too, think limiting your palette is a good idea. Thanks for sharing. Happy Everyday!

David Lobenberg said...

Happy Everyday back to you, Kathy!

Anonymous said...

It's beginning to look a lot like you can paint anything. With great snap and style that's always yours.

Despite the erudite reading material, your guy has the look of a droll and jolly Brit.

Seeing this reminds me how beneficial it is to limit your palette from time to time.

Another good piece David, and another year crammed with progress and fun.

Myrna Wacknov said...

Love that you gave him much more attitude! Changes in live models make me crazy. I finally learned to focus on one area and get it done in the 20 minutes, especially hands!
Happy Holidays!

Autumn Leaves said...

I think he looks quite the dapper gentleman, not a skinny old man! I love the pose and the getup and you are doing beautifully with this piece! Can't wait to see the final version!

David Lobenberg said...

Mryna: Notice I left his hand undone...but I will eventually render it via my ref. photo.

David Lobenberg said...

Thanks Autumn Leaves...yea...he actually is a good looking gent and has a wonderful body to paint when he poses in the buff. I was just being snarky in my post. Love that word "snarky"!

David Lobenberg said...

Thank you comrade Bonnie Luria! Power to the people's limited palette!

http://www.onpainting.wordpress.com said...

This is a cool painting at this stage.

Leslie Sealey said...

I like the painting just the way it is. : )

David Lobenberg said...

Leslie and Bill (Onpainting), Well then, maybe I'll put my brush down. Thanks for dropping by y'all (the "y'all" is for Leslie). For Bill. it's "thanks for dropping by dude".

Mike said...

David . . .Thanks for a wonderful, full year of posts, demos, conversation and outright jealousy of your work!@%$#% ;P)

Seriously, Dave, have the merriest of holidays. May they be filled with love and happiness for you adn your family.

All the Best!
Mike

PS . . Let's get together again this coming year.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi David,

This is a super painting. Santa takes a break in his sporty night shirt to check his list twice.

Here's to a super holiday and a very
Happy New Year to you.

Take care,

Barbara
P.S. Florence was beyond amazing.

Celeste Bergin said...

how do you manage to do so well with a moving sleeping cap? This is exceptional!

David Lobenberg said...

Back at you, Mike!!!!

David Lobenberg said...

You have a great holiday to, Barbara. In a few days, the fat man comes to town.

David Lobenberg said...

Celeste, I sketched in the sleeping cap when he first posed, and then stuck with those shapes.

Nick said...

heheh, I sorta wish I hadn't seen that!

Anonymous said...

Hey DaLo! Steve is looking really good~ love the un-fussy brushwork.

Happy Holidays to you too~

Mike said...

Happy New Year, Dave!! Hope all's well at your end of the world!

David Lobenberg said...

Mike, I was visiting San Francisco just after Christmas and had a vodka martini (Grey Goose) at the St. Francis Hotel with my wife and niece. Don't get much better! We should rendezvous there sometime to do some city sketching!

Peggi Habets Studio said...

I will re-write what I just tried to post since I don't think it went through.

Wow, this is a great painting. Love the attitude. I found your blog via the self portrait blog and have enjoyed reading and perusing your art. Very nice work!!!

David Lobenberg said...

Thanks Peggy. I enjoyed your work when I visited your web site. Look forward to seeing more in the future. Happy New Year.