Self Critical - (Forever) a Work in Progress

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THE PROCESS:

Self-Critical - Forever a Work in Progress

18" x 24" Oil on Canvas $900 framed L.Hamill 2005

This is the underpainting of a self-portrait I started in January. It's of me having a difficult day in my studio, which is something I'm sure every artist (of every kind) can relate to. Ironically, I was enjoying my day thoroughly when I painted this.

I have since realized that by leaving this piece as is, or at least, unfinished, it says a great deal about me. I feel as though my continuous journey to become less self-critical will forever be a work in progress.

I have decided to leave this piece as a study, and have begun painting another, of the same but will be completed, which is 36" x 48".

Please view below to see the large one progressing...

Self-Critical 36" x 48" Oil on Canvas

I laid in some bright colours with a palette knife. Most of these will be covered up with darker tones, and then I will scrape back where necessary to reveal the brightness underneath. This is one of the techniques Rembrandt used. It takes a tremendous deal of paint and time to do this process.

Please check back regularly to see this piece continue to progress.

Enjoy!

Lalita Hamill

April 12 - 9pm - 12:30am - This painting went from the previous stage to this in 3.5hrs. I'm very much trying to capture the "mood" at this point. I haven't completely decided how streamlined or sharp to make my light source (I HAD decided, but am changing my mind). The final colours will be very dark blues and violets in the surroundings and reds, yellows & oranges in the figure and painting (the one that is viewed from the side).

Enjoy!

April 20, 2005 - After 6 hours of painting I came to this point. I worked on the details of the face and increased the contrast of the whole painting.

May 20, 2005

More layers! (4hrs)

Note: you may find as I'm going along that you say "I like what she HAD better than what she has now!"

I believe it was Picasso who...if he absolutely loved any one part of his painting, and he knew it really worked...he would destroy it. Why? Because he would end up trying to be so careful not to "mess up" that perfect part that keeping it in would compromise the whole painting. He also expected that if he could do it once, he could do it again.

I can see where I want this to go now. However, in order to make the steps forward sometimes I need to take a few steps "backward" first.

It's a constant building, and the layers that I'm building underneath will eventually show in the end.

May 19, 2006...exactly a year later!!!....

It's been a full year since I last touched this piece, and I want to finish it within the next 2 weeks! However, I have recently and joyously found out that I am pregnant, and so this painting is doomed to wait...

They say good things are worth waiting for...


	Hamill Studios \| home Self Critical - (Forever) a Work in Progress THE PROCESS: Self-Critical - Forever a Work in Progress 18" x 24" Oil on Canvas $900 framed L.Hamill 2005 This is the underpainting of a self-portrait I started in January. It's of me having a difficult day in my studio, which is something I'm sure every artist (of every kind) can relate to. Ironically, I was enjoying my day thoroughly when I painted this. I have since realized that by leaving this piece as is, or at least, unfinished, it says a great deal about me. I feel as though my continuous journey to become less self-critical will forever be a work in progress. I have decided to leave this piece as a study, and have begun painting another, of the same but will be completed, which is 36" x 48". Please view below to see the large one progressing... Self-Critical 36" x 48" Oil on Canvas I laid in some bright colours with a palette knife. Most of these will be covered up with darker tones, and then I will scrape back where necessary to reveal the brightness underneath. This is one of the techniques Rembrandt used. It takes a tremendous deal of paint and time to do this process. Please check back regularly to see this piece continue to progress. Enjoy! Lalita Hamill April 12 - 9pm - 12:30am - This painting went from the previous stage to this in 3.5hrs. I'm very much trying to capture the "mood" at this point. I haven't completely decided how streamlined or sharp to make my light source (I HAD decided, but am changing my mind). The final colours will be very dark blues and violets in the surroundings and reds, yellows & oranges in the figure and painting (the one that is viewed from the side). Enjoy! April 20, 2005 - After 6 hours of painting I came to this point. I worked on the details of the face and increased the contrast of the whole painting. May 20, 2005 More layers! (4hrs) Note: you may find as I'm going along that you say "I like what she HAD better than what she has now!" I believe it was Picasso who...if he absolutely loved any one part of his painting, and he knew it really worked...he would destroy it. Why? Because he would end up trying to be so careful not to "mess up" that perfect part that keeping it in would compromise the whole painting. He also expected that if he could do it once, he could do it again. I can see where I want this to go now. However, in order to make the steps forward sometimes I need to take a few steps "backward" first. It's a constant building, and the layers that I'm building underneath will eventually show in the end. May 19, 2006...exactly a year later!!!.... It's been a full year since I last touched this piece, and I want to finish it within the next 2 weeks! However, I have recently and joyously found out that I am pregnant, and so this painting is doomed to wait... They say good things are worth waiting for...