Rachael Padilla

On the easel

Added 2021-12-01 21:38:09 +0000 UTC

Since last I posted this my progress on this painting, I’ve obsessively worked and reworked areas. The proportions of the face were ever so slightly off. Overworked paintings can often become muddy. Which is exactly what happened! As I closely examine the face here, I imagine that she must have gotten into some spaghetti, as a toddler does with dried marinara from ear to ear. Shadows on faces can be tricky especially on the jaw line. If the exact right shade isn’t selected, it can begin to look like a 5 o’clock shadow or dirt.

I stepped back and let the paint dry. Mixed new colors and began again. It’s starting to even out. Colors are better and will continue to improve.

Even the missteps along the way can help build depth! That’s why despite my desire to lay down paint exactly right the first time, it seemed important to share the parts of the process I’m not happy with.

I shall persevere!