Oil on Linen with Gold Leaf 16″ x 20″
Beginning 1 & 2
Hair: meaningful in so many traditions and cultures. The way that we wear it may be a statement, a passive rebellion, an identifier, an obsession, a tabu or even a code. It’s a point of pride and a worry, and it’s oh so personal. It’s meaningful to me and so much fun to paint. That’s why I wish I had kept this piece simpler, as in the early stages (directly above). I may go back and make a drawing or an alla prima of this composition in the near future.
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I love the finished painting and the glazes are really beautiful
Thank you, Matt! Just been visiting your blog. Great work!
Sorry I haven’t been over here for so long. I lost track of you.
I like all these pieces, but the final one speaks to me the most so I for one am not sorry that you didn’t keep it simple. Lovely, powerful, evocative.
Hi Sarah. I’ve not been posting recently. Nice surprise to find you here. Thanks so much:)
So beautiful!
Thank you, Anette!
love this
Thanks very much, Rosalina.
WOW!!!!
Thank you!:)
Each stage of this work is stunning!
The meaning does change as the work changes and it’s so interesting to see that happen. The light, shadow and tones are breathtaking! Wow.
There’s so much life to your paintings, Elena. I love how you’ve brought out the contours of her face through your superb understanding of the principles of light.
You’ve given me a little too much credit, Uday. My search for the principals of light is often a hit or miss journey. But, I’m trying. I’m honored, because you indeed have the light principal in your back pocket. Thank you so very, very much:)
Stunning as always Elena! Beautiful.
Many thanks, Adrian:)
Beautiful! ~Rita
Thank you, Rita!
I wish I didn’t have to gush on a blog but in real life, so you’d see how much I meant it..! 🙂 It’s funny, before I had read your words I first saw the large picture and was completely in love with it, it’s just so rich and reverent, and the colours are spectacular – I scrolled down though and was amazed at the early sketch – it’s like the essence of the main distilled.. so powerful, both! So interesting, it’s often the same all over, how you go all along a road only to arrive back at the beginning!
Oh, isn’t is so? I can’t tell you how many times I should have left well enough alone:) Thanks so much, Cath. I truly appreciate your comments!
Totally gorgeous. The face and those hands! Really love the early stages you showed, too. You really capture so much feeling in your paintings.
Hi Cindy! Thanks so much for your lovely comments:)
OH my GOD! This is GORGEOUS!! I am SO thrilled! I LOVE it!!! ***
-Carmen Cacalano
https://cacalanostudios.wordpress.com Paintings.
THank you! So pleased that you like it:)
There is such a special light on her face…amazing!
robert
Many thanks, Robert!
The final piece is stunning. But I too like the simpler forms, and I agree it may be worth re-visiting – especially because you feel inspired to do so. It’s a powerful image.
It’s interesting how as artists we feel the mission of what we are creating, and sometimes, though others admire the piece, we feel dissatisfied – like it’s unfinished or didn’t capture the essence of that mission. I’ve gone back to images many times and either redone them or retouched the original, and without fail the final piece was even more well received by others too.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Sheri. I will be revisiting this one:)
That’s an incredible piece, Elena. A masterpiece.
Thank you, James:)
This is a very strong portrait!
Thank you, Michael!
I like so much!
Thank you, Daisy!
Each of these is perfection…so much beauty you create!
Much appreciated, Donna!
I understand exactly what you mean, Elena. The charcoal is just perfect and -to me- complete, yet each stage, to the final piece is also wonderfully done and well, perfect! I’m so glad you kept record of those stages…
Thanks so much, Marina.
🙂
Stunning, Elena! Just brilliant.
Many thanks, Richard.
It is so beautiful. It reminded me the self portrait of Delacroix.
If only, Maria. Thanks so very much.
This is very beautiful Elena – the translucency of her skin is delicious. The charcoal drawing stands alone as a lovely piece too.
Thank you, Anna.
Renaissance.
At least stealing from:)
Gosh Elena…awesome!!!
Beautiful work and I love how you did her face and skin.
Thanks very much!
Stunning, Elena.
Thank you, Lemony.
Beautiful Elena – her face is angelic and elegant. The gold leaf sets about a bit of sparkle or rather warmth with her skin. I know what you mean about the hair, but in this case there is a story coming from your canvas – I would leave this piece as perfect as it is. An amazing portrait.
Much appreciated, Mary:)
I think this piece is perfect just the way it is, Elena. No changes or second guessing required.
Thank you, Jill:)
There is a distinctly spiritual dimension about this portrait. Beautifully done.
Thanks very much, Louis.
Stunning, Elena. A fabulous painting!
Thanks so much, Tom!
This is a spectacular painting. Wow!
Thanks so much, Laura!
Once again, your lighting work is exceptional. Her face really comes off the screen — it has a third dimensional feel. I like seeing the earlier versions. It’s fun to see a bit of the process.
Jeff, I’m unable to leave a comment on your new beautifully formatted site. Just wanted to say that I love the new “being alone” series. Gorgeous. Thanks for your lovely comment.
Amazing portrait! Congratulations! Extraordinarily well done!
Thank you dear Elena to make known to us!
Have a great day! ❤ 🙂
Many thanks, Stefania! Have a wonderful weekend!
It reminds of a Patron Saint of Braids type painting. Very nice!!
I like it! Thank you:)
Whoa!
🙂 Thanks:)
piękne !
Thank you!
It is a gorgeous work. I so appreciate that which I have no ability to do 🙂 Lovely.
Just a lot of hard work. Thanks, B:)
I see your point, but it is still very beautiful
Thank you, Derrick:)
Wonderful.
Thanks so much!
Stunning!
Thanks so much, Susan!
Oh my! Spectacular on so many fronts.
My friend, have you ever seen the film, The Best Offer? It’s set inside the fine art world, and the main protagonist (an auctioneer) has a “special room” hidden away in his home where he hangs all his master female portraits. For that scene alone it’s worth watching.
I should add, this portrait could hang there, too.
I have not seen the film, but just googled it. Sounds like something to look forward to this weekend. Thanks so very much, John.
Something magic in her look… And a so beautiful face… congratulations !
Thanks so very much!
This is not only gorgeous, but her facial expression is incredible. Saying “Well done” is too small.
Many thanks, Carol.
Oh ! It’s coming close to the old master’s Saint figure !
Not close enough;) but thank you, Yoshi!
Reblogged this on Art History blog.
Thank you for the reblog!