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Yamenja — Mary
Published: 2008-03-22 12:10:25 +0000 UTC; Views: 1179; Favourites: 27; Downloads: 0
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Description
I just liked the reference shot, so thought I would try a straight rendition, sticking to the original colours. Could tidy it up some, could even go for more realism, but not sure at present if I want to lose the rough edges.Was fun to do.
10 x 12 ins acrylic on canvas.
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Comments: 64
wow nice I love Mary j. Blige and you did a really good job
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Congratulations !
This great artwork is being featured in my journal - you might already have seen it -
because of the spamfilters of DA ... it takes me a while to get this message out to
all the featured artworks.
Hope you will go have a look at the other works too - you might get yourself some
more faves and maybe even some new watches too 
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Thank you kindly. It was nice to do.
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Another Artists Of Color Favorite!
:devthefantsim:
Head Administrator
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Thank you kindly, Kate! I am glad you think so..
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skin tones are amazing! and the eyes and lips are good... another good one from you!
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and another nice and much appreciated comment from you!
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u'z welcome, coz ure bringing da heat wit dat brush of yours!
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i think that the loose edges work fine like how denis was explaining his work to you, it gives the impression of softness, i do think though that the tooth of the canvas shows through a little too much in this piece,( but remember thats just my personal preference ) perhaps if you built up a couple more layers of primer and sanded them back for a smoother finish you will notice how the details will stand out more and find that the brushes are easier to control.
you got the likeness spot on as I knew who it was before I had looked at the title. Also like the neutral background suits this piece.
nice job robbie
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Thanks very much indeed, Simon. The advice is very helpful and much appreciated. I think the photograph makes it show up more than it does for real, but the whole concept of intentionally building up a smoother base is something that never occurred to me, and which I think would really help.
Cheers, mate!
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you will notice the difference when working on a smooth surface, the brushes glide a lot easier and you will a lot more control, also in myopinion a better finish to the artworks
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Yes, that makes a lot of sense - I have thought about trying board, as I realised that a smooth surface would allow for a smoother finish, but I'm quite into box canvas at the moment, and into trying to produce a consistent body of work! It will be interesting to follow your advice and see what happens!
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if your going to use canvas what you want to do is first build up around 4-5 layers of gesso, then sand, do another coat then sand, keep doing this around 8-10 times you will notice the surface get nice and smooth, use the wet and dry sandpaper, they got some great stuff in B&Q, its black and very smooth for in between coats. this is what i use and it gets a great finish. Use it wet & you only have to press lightly and you can feel and hear the surface change and go smooth, when used wet the sanded dust turns into a kind of paste so it also fills any gaps / holes and works like a filler. just wipe it down afterwards. Its very messy though. I would give it go as if you never tried painting on a smooth surface you will notice how different the propperties of paint and how the brushes work differently so its worth gaining experience in that, if you dont like the surface or if it doesntsuit your style of painting then just go back to the less smooth canvas.
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Man, that sounds like a lot of work, lol....but actually it appeals to me, so I think will give it a go - thanks again. I am sure it will help for when I attempt more realism
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it sounds like a lot of work but its not, its time consuming as you have to build up the layers, but it only takes 5-10 mins each layer depending on size of work, believe me the time you spend on preparing your artworks to perfect is time well spent in the long run, especially on canvas as it will stop the work cracking and give it archival permenance.
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yeah its funny i was thinking that....that actually its not such a huge task - and considering i buy my canvases ready-stretched its the least i can do, eh! lol
i'm quite excited about the idea now!
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Hey Robbie - really like the composition and the way you chose such a dark background to offset the white of her clothes against.... very cool. In fact you know me and limited palettes - I like the earth tones in this one a lot.
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Thanks, Bryon! I cant really take much credit - the things that are nice about it were all in the photo, all I did was like it! lol...it was very relaxing to work on.
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Sometimes that's the best thing art can be - a release... Sometimes I just draw or paint any old crap cos it's relaxing - not much time to do that of late though!
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I guess that's the problem with doing art for a living, eh.
I hope you find time soon though.
Ive done loads this weekend.....one of the perks of my job is 6 days off at Easter, so although there are lots of other things I shouldve done, it had been a while since I painted so I just kind of said to hell with everything else. Sort of feast n famine thing.
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Excellent! Good for you! I've spent most of Easter working on the magazine project... My eyes hurt!
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But on the plus side you are creative all the time - not just on bank holidays!
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well in the long run perhaps....lol.....luck comes and goes, eh, but you are permanently very gifted and a wonderful person! 
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ditto Rob, painterly and handled evenly throughout
it has a nice luminosity and softness to it too, well worth exploring!!
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This is really FAB!
The hair, the look, It all works really well!
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Well I wouldn't call them rough edges!!......I like the very nature of the painterly quality....it works very well.
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What a lovely comment! Thank you, Rob.
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Superbly detailed and colored. I love the form and lighting. Great work.
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