I painted this lovely lady for the portrait challenge on Karin Jurick's Different Strokes From Different Folks. I had fun with this - wondering about her, and feeling like we had a connection since she was painting my portrait at the same time. This is only the second portrait I've ever painted. I got that panicky feeling before I started like I used to get every summer when I was little, thinking I'd forgotten how to swim. I'd cling to the side of the neighbor's pool, skinning my fingers and toes on the concrete sides, trying to get up the nerve to let go and just swim. I stared at this lady for days, wondering what would happen if I started to paint this, and realized I had no skill at all - and what in the world was I doing playing around with oil paints and brushes?! So, again, as the deadline quickly approached, I let go, and just started painting. I still have a lot to learn, but I think if I get started on another painting right away, I won't get that panicky feeling, and I'll be able to paint without the skinned up fingers and toes! (so to speak). I hope she likes it!
This is the October challenge on Karin Jurick's Different Strokes From Different Folks blog. I wasn't thrilled with how this ended up for me. I struggled with straight lines, shadows, and color. It may look better framed. But I did it, and I'm sure I learned from it - you always do, when you do something quite out of your comfort zone.
