Max and Tilly: Stage 4

Max and Tilly

11 x 14", Oil on canvas

Rita Salazar Dickerson 2013

Stage 4: Completing the painting - the background, her hand and their clothing. Signing a painting has become a mere formality for me because even though it is signed I know the chances are high that after a painting "rests" it is likely that I will go back in and make adjustments and corrections. Its easier to sign it that way. I don't pressure myself into thinking that this is it, there is no going back. I also keep notes regarding the combinations of colors I used then its easier to rework an area if necessary.

Max and Tilly were such a pleasure to paint.

Max and Tilly: Stage 2

Stage 2: Painting the face. I started with Max's face. For the skin color I mixed Yellow Ochre and Transparent Earth Red, lightened with Titanium White. And then for the pink tones I mixed in Cadmium Red.

I painted in blocks of color looking for the general shapes of color and value, blending as I went.

Then it was time to go over the entire face and hair with completion in mind, checking edges and colors, blending here and there - and then finally stopping before I ruined it. 

Painting always entertains and amazes me.