Painting at the Lakeside

This weekend I painted on location for an event at a local hotel/casino. I thought I may as well photograph the process, as people are sometimes able to get something out of these little demos.

I begin with a white-killing wash of thinner and earth red oil.


Bethany was a great subject; with her dark hair and eyes, I felt her profile had kind of an Egyptian feel to it. She wore a red flower in her hair which I've roughed in here, but I think I'll have to play it down or remove it entirely so it doesn't become a distraction.


My value plan is predominantly dark with Bethany's lighted face being the highest value and, of course, the center of interest. I am using only transparent earth red and a little blue at this stage.



We had plenty of interested viewers. This lady was visiting from the Yukon.


Not being in the habit of working while seated, I am not very pleased at this point. I really need to step back to see relationships. When I'm too close, it is easy for a painting to get away. I will get this up onto my studio easel and see if it can be saved.

Now I can get a better idea of how my painting is working by stepping back. This frees me up to pull out my #10 flat and lay down passages with more confidence, straighten my arm out and get my back into it. That's really hard to do while seated three feet from my canvas. See the finished painting below.


If you are in the Penticton area, come on down to the Leir House reception to "George and Friends" this Friday at 7-9 pm. There is a couple of dozen of George Traicheffs' artist pals showing a few paintings each. I'd love to show you one new one I'm particularly proud of, barely dry but a success, for me at least.