Day three again I found the painting dry to touch in most areas after 24hr. although, the finish at his stage has areas that have dried somewhat flat. I am pleased with the Venetian plaster like texture from the primer because of it's effect on the overall painting. However, there were some areas that should appear smooth on the subject's cheek and chin that required some fine sanding. On to wiping clean and oiling out the surface to start the next layer.
A comment about layering steps. There are many artist's who have done excellent realistic work that no doubt was due to their intense attention to details and the multiple transparent layers applied to their canvases. Partially because I'm impatient and lazy, on this painting I've intentionally omitted a few stages. Noted in each step in this painting this is done in a way where color and tones are only placed where needed to play off each other versus coloring over a gray scale painting. Hence, a colorful under painting can add more brilliance and depth.
| Today, I begin to add color such as a transparent Rose and Venetian Red to the background blended on canvas to expose the blue under painting. Starting to bring in Cadmium Red and Yellow to the palette to introduce some color to the flesh tones. Layering shades of burnt sienna in the highlights and adding more black to the dark areas is beginning to add a deep color to the hair. Some heavy white highlighting was also added to the gown. |  Click image for larger view |
It has been my intention up to this stage to continue with thin layers to build color and depth. However after completion of this stage, it has become obvious that I must start painting with a fatter medium if I do not intend to use a finish as Mr. Velasquez claims I should not require. Ratio judgments made with grinding this medium are much different than resinous oil mediums where I am finding has a huge impact on the luster of the dried paint film. At this time this is best achieved by reducing the ratio of glare in the thinner. Hopefully this won't seriously hinder dry time.
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