The show must go on

I felt Orange yesterday. I’m a little apprehensive about last night’s performance; well that’s what I feel like when I paint in front of an audience. I find it quite a strain even intimidating. It doesn’t come easy to me, I am self conscious, but once I get going I’m ok. The concentration removes the fear – fear or embarrassment, but why should I be embarrassed? I’m a professional of twenty years, an old timer you might say. I know my craft, I’m a good technician. But with all my experience and knowledge it doesn’t help I still get butterflies in my stomach.

I arrived at the venue early and proceeded to erect my easel, and assessed the best position for the camera. Cathy arrived not long after I had set these positions, and stripped for a early painting session.



One of the difficulties I found was the lack of light, made establishing the various shadow tones difficult. But just like an old trooper, the show when on. The artificial light did cast a wonderful yellow glow over Cathy, but unfortunately the lighting source was different in my painting. You will notice the light on the model is right to left, whereas in my painting it’s left to right.

Overall, it was a pleasant experience, and I look forward to working with Cathy again in the very near future.

Apprehensive

Well today I have been preparing the portrait of Cathy for the book launch party of remembering Robert. I sometimes think I am a little mad, committing myself to preform at a venue where other professional artists will be attending. I will try and enjoy the event, but as you can guess I am very apprehensive. I'm feeling that I could be putting too much pressure upon myself.

Here's my sketch for the painting.



I have also included a photo of me working on the painting.