I read a painting tip that suggested painting a 15 to 20 minute warm up study before starting an extended painting session. This preliminary work would get the creative juices flowing, something similar to the pregame stretches before an athletic event. I chose a photo of a piece by Matt Talbert, a current artist who does gorgeous figurative work. Being efficient as I am, my thoughts were this choice would not only take care of the "warm-up" but other concerns. One of the qualities of Matt Talbert's work is the juicy looseness of the brushwork, almost as if the paint is soft butter. I am trying to achieve a similar looseness. A little concentrated practice wouldn't hurt. I long to paint figures that are believable, not cardboard cutout affairs. Talbert's figures are flesh and blood, touchable beings that I suspect will move at any moment. I chose a small 4"x6" panel, thinking the smaller, the quicker. To make my story shorter, let's just say my "warm-up" morphed into an afternoon painting session. However, I had a good time and I like her, the girl in the painting. ...I hope you don't mind Matt Talbert. I've entitled this Queen. Next time, I'll choose a small piece of fruit.
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