Saturday, August 10, 2013

'Plein Air Self-Portrait' by Jim McVicker


 Here I am in my summer back yard outfit looking at my reflection in a large mirror duct taped to a tree. I spent several afternoons from about 1:30 to 4pm standing in front of the mirror observing myself, the easel and what I saw behind me. I'm glad I didn't start it early in the day as we haven't seen the morning sun for a few weeks. I really enjoyed the process of painting myself outdoors in the warm afternoon sun. The apple tree was an interesting but difficult background to paint. I like the shape of the tree and color notes of the apples. By accident I made the sepia jpeg below. I like how one can really see how the values work in the painting so, thought I would post it as well.   Oil on linen 18x14


5 comments:

  1. wow, nice. love the sepia tone. i wonder if they make a sepia lens filter to look through to check values as you are painting

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  2. Wonderful honest painting in the hours I usually avoid. So many nice touches that keep the eye moving and engaged.

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  3. Such a great painting, feels like you are reaching out to the viewer with a warm welcome.

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  4. Nice to see this finished,wonder feeling of afternoon warmth. Interesting that the sepia photo shows the darkest values are the neck,heel,and pack shadow.

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