Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie and the Balloon/6th Session, The Completed Portrait

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
6th Session

I had so much fun painting yesterday afternoon and into the night, I could hardly stand it! It is exciting when I imagine what  the completed painting will look like and then have it actually turn out the way I was hoping. Since this is not always the case, I like to enjoy these moments when I can!

I decided that the green grass in the background was not necessary and in fact detracted from Gracie and the overall composition. Once that was replaced with blue sky, I painted in the balloon and then as a final treat, added the bubbles, entertaining additions to an already light and airy composition.

Now, the time has come to let the painting "rest" a few days before I look it over one last time with fresh eyes and make any additional changes. Since Gracie is a Christmas gift, she will need time to dry before delivery and framing.

It has been such a pleasure painting both of Gracie's portraits.

Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie and the Balloon/5th Session

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
5th Session

The pale pink of Gracie's dress works well with the light blue sky. They compliment each other in a way that enhances her features and adds a softness to her presence. The day I photographed Gracie, the weather, lighting and her pink dress all worked so well together. Gracie was a painting waiting to happen.

 



Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie and the Balloon/4th Session

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
4th Session

Painting little arms and hands kept me busy last night. Since I am painting wet into wet paint, there was no turning back; it was midnight when I finally felt I was at a stopping point. Of course by then I wished I could have painted all night (which I have done sometimes) but I made myself stop with the reminder that tomorrow is another day and if there is something to correct (which there usually is) it can be corrected later. And so for now, here are Gracie's arms and hands. Her dress is next.

Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie and the Balloon/3rd Session

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
3rd Session

I'm really having fun now! Though I'm still not certain what I'm going to do with the background yet, I like the way the light blue and her face have such an ethereal feel to them. It feels like I'm painting a little angel.

Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie And The Balloon/2nd Session



Gracie And The Balloon
oil on canvas, 11x14
2nd Session



Painting the eyes...

Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie And The Balloon

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
1st Session

One of the nicest compliments I can receive from a client is when they ask for a second portrait of the same subject. I really enjoyed painting Grace the first time and now, I have the pleasure of capturing her on canvas again. This second piece will be a smaller size, 11x14, and is from the same set of reference photos I took for her fist portrait. Now that I have the rough sketch taken care of I am excited to begin. Besides the balloon, there are some other fun surprises that I get to add to this composition.
This will be a Christmas gift and so I had better get busy!