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A do over. Like many painters, I covered several otherwise to be discarded paintings with a coat of paint. So, on this rare painting day, I brought a charcoal colored panel to my painting session. This was a special occasion…just two painters in the host’s studio, painting a professional model. 

The dark panel presented a challenge, particularly since my process usually begins with a rough sketch in burnt umber and, then, proceeding with the darks. However, approaching this panel in my usual manner would have been like driving in a heavy fog. So I turned on the lights. I did my sketch in white and quickly blocked in some color. At this point I could see where I was headed. 

My next step was to do some rough features, emphasizing the light and darks on the face.

At this point the subject was pretty complete, although I had forgotten to do the skin tone in the mirror image.

Then I corrected for likeness, looked at highlights, refined the dominant arm, and oops no skin again in the mirror.

Finally, I corrected the shape of  the hair on top, I addressed edges, refined highlights and shadows, completed the mirror and scarf where her elbow rested. My concern at this stage was not to overly correct. I wanted the painting to remain loose. The “bell” rang after three hours. I was so happy to be painting. And, I don’t think I’ll paint over this portrait.

The gauze and effect. Somehow I feel like I am living behind a gauze curtain. I can see and hear most things, but not with the same clarity or intensity as in the past. My perception is distorted by masks, doors, computer screens, and smoke. Sometimes we escape to blue skies and large spaces that accommodate distancing. We compensate with virtual visiting and learning. We all know this is the best we can do in our current situation.

In spite of the wisdom and necessity of restrictions, there are inevitable and obvious disappointments. I see rants, vents, and cavalier comments on Facebook. Of course this is largely due to our contentious political climate. However, I also think that this type of expression is a result of profound social distancing…not the six feet variety. I wonder if social media is ironically casting a veil that further distances us from one another.  Would people actually have these outbursts face to face? Comments…please 

Online viewing also interferes with our direct connection to art. Although we have long been able to see art online, in the past our online art search would often lead us to those pieces and exhibits we wanted to actually go see in person. However, today our art viewing and purchasing remain virtually virtual. Do you hesitate to purchase art that you have not physically seen? Comments….please.

Note…admittedly a bit of a plug. If you are local and see paintings on my website that interest you, please contact me. If the paintings are here, you are invited to come by and see them. In person. Masks. Snacks. No questions asked.