Sammy in Blue, 6 by 6 inches, oil on board
This is an unusual portrait for me in many ways. It’s very small, only 6 by 6 inches. The light source is very cool which isn’t my usual preference. But I loved the way the north lighting played on the child’s sun-deprived skin. I kept the colors much more toned down than I usually do too–it just seemed appropriate. One of the wonderful things about being human, is having free will! I enjoy the look of empowerment that children get when they realize they are free to exercise that will. I enjoy exercising that will as a painter. Why lock yourself down into a specific palette, technique, or methodology? I like having choices, and Sammy does too.
I stuck to a fairly limited palette using mostly Rublev oil colors adding touches of brighter colors only into the areas of the skin and hair illuminated by the cool light.
Tali's an Alaskan artist and graphic designer. She's influenced by the light, color and brushwork of the impressionists; as well as the depth, luminosity and draftsmanship of the old masters and academic artists. Her works can be found in numerous private collections throughout the globe. Her original paintings and giclee prints are available at Artic Rose Gallery in Anchorage, Alaska. Talya paints from her home studio in Wasilla, Alaska.
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All content © 2012 by Forget-Me-Not Fine Art, Portraiture, and Design by Talya Johnson
Tali, this is absolutely gorgeous!!! The blue eyes, the wonderful expression of the child, all of it! Just gorgeous!!! I just had to tell you how awesome I think this painting is. I have not ever painted in oils. I have used watercolour the most and some acrylic as well but no oils. This has inspired me to give it a try. If I can come even part way close to what you have done here I would consider it a huge accomplishment. I just cannot get over the utter joy that I feel when I look at this painting. I am a mother of two wonderful boys and this painting just takes me right back to the sweet innocent days of when they were toddlers. Thank you!!
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm. Yes! Give oils a try. They are forgiving and beautiful! when I first started with oils, I hated them. So I learned to paint using them with a palette knife first to keep my colors clean. By the time I got over my fear and worry about wasting expensive paint; and learned how to choose my pigments and how they behaved (since they each have such different “personalities”); I was hooked on oils. I’ve never looked back. I started painting in oils because I’ve always wanted oil portraits of my children. Who better to do them than their mother?!