A couple of nights ago I went to the ballet. The Sleeping Beauty. It was so fabulous, it inspired me to try to paint a picture of a dancer. In the past years I've always stuck to landscapes as I could never draw or paint figures and faces. I thought that it was time for a challenge though.
I did a sketch from a photograph.
Usually I draw the outline in pencil first but I wanted to try to paint the dancer in to keep a more loose style. I was pleased with the first blocking in.
I started to form the features in the face. I was going to use the same paint for the flesh as the dress but then decided it might look a little more realistic if I tried to make it a little more flesh coloured. I got some tips from this video by Selina Fenech. I used slightly different colours to her though.
The dress was started in Alizarin Crimson (I think! To be honest, I usually use up what's left on my palette from last time.) I used Ultramarine and Burnt Umber for the flesh tones and the background.
I was going to keep the dress to one colour in different shades but decided to add some Ultramarine to make the purple shadows and give the skirt a little more depth.
The finished picture was taken on a different camera hence the slightly different quality to the colours.
Over all, I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Especially the face and hands - both bug bears of mine! I also like the way the skirts look a little a butterflies wings...which has given me an idea for a second painting!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on my attempt at figure painting!
Thanks for looking.
This original watercolour has just been sold but is still available as a greeting card.
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