Ellen was our model for this two week pose. I painted the dress with bold strokes, finishing with a thick wide brush, with no added paint, to smooth things out and eliminate harsh lines. The tapestry in the background worked best with undiluted pure color, and after the patterns were suggested, I went back in to rework the fabric, uniting the tapestry and patterns and eliminating the "painted on" appearance. I used a bluish payne's grey for the deep shadows in the pleats of the dress and, and forcefully emphasized the hands and feet with outline or shadow. I gave the light source direction, showing that the bent knee and top of dress are bathed in light. The simplicity of the room helps focus on the model and wall hanging. Initially, I painted in a window with trees, however the teacher insisted I respond to what was actually there. The window would have imparted a very different feel. The face was simplified and I utilized subtle shades of flesh tones to contruct the facial planes. Overall, the mood is one of serenity and repose, and the sitter exudes confidence, perhaps a touch of wistfulness and longing.
