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Sunday, January 3, 2010

An Afternoon at the Races

Christina Xamis
Watercolor on paper
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MY FIRST WATERCOLOR PORTRAIT
The photo used for this painting was actually given to me to use as reference for a commissioned pencil drawing. I thought it was a perfectly captured moment in time. Christina and a friend were on a European Holiday and took in the horse races...fancy hats and all.

Her friend took this photo as Christina learned her horse had just won the race. You can see the racing card and pen still in her hand and you can almost feel her spontaneous surprise and excitement. Christina has the most beautiful eyes...and yes, all those lashes are hers.

I've been antsy of late to try a watercolor portrait. One of my big challenges with watercolor is to not always try to control it. I keep wanting to correct those little watercolor mishaps...you know, the stuff that makes watercolors beautiful. (it must be the realistic pencil artist residing inside me). It's really difficult to just walk away from the painting and QUIT..before I muddy it up.

For my first portrait I'm happy...only hope I can do another one before I forget what I did here:)

Christina's parents and their family are out of town for the holidays and have not yet seen this painting yet. If they want, I will still do a pencil drawing...in fact I may do one anyway as my pencils have been screaming at me for some time now.
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Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:10-11
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11 comments:

Kathleen said...

Awesome watercolor portrait! Great expression =)

Teresa Mallen said...

Fabulous portrait and fabulous photo!!

Jennie Norris said...

Marsha, I love your watercolor work!! I have not commented in a while but, I'm still checking in! Looks like you are enjoying yourself. I too always tried to control my watercolors (frustrating), that's why I stick to my pencils now, Maybe someday............. KEEP IT UP, THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!!

Helen Percy Lystra said...

Awesome work.

Karen Hargett said...

Oh my - just beautiful! You are a natural!

Marian Fortunati said...

Oh Marsha!!!
I'm so pleased that you seem to be feeling better!!!

Yippee...

And WHAT A GREAT portrait!! I know those parents and family members will love this.

Arti said...

A great portrait, by all means!

Angela Finney said...

Great portrait. Unique expression and composition. I can't imagine doing that well on a person portrait in watercolor, or any media. Wonderful, hope you learn to trust your spontaneous self -- it does marvelous.

SYLVIANE said...

Marsha, what a beautiful portrait!
And I am so glad you were able to start on your work!

Marsha Robinett said...

Wow..thank you (to everyone) for taking time to stop by my blog and for leaving such uplifting comments. I wish I could take the credit for the wonderful reference photo used for this portrait, but I can't.

I'm anxious to start another portrait..feel like I need 'splatter' that paint again soon before I loose the 'gift' that finally emerged.

I've fought with this medium so long. It's nice now that we've become friends, but you know how friendships are...they must be tended to:)

cathy said...

WOW....For those of you reading this comment, I am the mother of the girl in the painting.
Marsha...I absolutely love it! I just found it today on your website that Sallie gave me. You really captured her eyes. Can't wait to see it in person.
Thanks Marsha...I think we finally found the right photo!!
Cathy Xamis

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