New online classes planned

Do I add encaustic, or not?

I am getting closer to what I want: loose, strong brush strokes, little blending and a fresh look. I can make traditional portraits, but I want something that is "now"

I stopped with this painting before I got too picky. I am going to leave it alone for a couple of days to see if I want to add encaustic to it or leave it just as it is; an oil paint sketch.

What do you think?

More process images

I am making oil portrait sketches trying to get very loose. I have a tendency to get too concentrated on the details and lose spontaneity. Since I am between series and have a couple of hours a week with a beautiful model, I will continue to work on this exercise until I can get the results I want.

I find photographing the process tells me a lot. When I look at the photos, I can see what needs fixing and usually, I have taken the work too far. Too much smoothing and working to get a likeness.

This model has such gorgeous eyes that in this exercise, I decided to block them out. I love painting eyes - who doesn't? but I find they can become the focus of the painting.

I am going to stop on this one today and look at it again tomorrow. I don't like it. I will start another one.