Process Post - Project #2 2025

My first in-class project of the year had the goals of re-incorporating the figure and continuing my theme of external pressure being a restraining force. While references are always a struggle, this was one of my most difficult yet, but with a strong reference I was able to jump right into painting with minimal changes to the source material. I ended up having to make multiple passes to deepen the shadows and fix facial proportions, and I think it needs one more pass at some point.

initial reference (I ended up taking an additional image of the stomach being grabbed as well as a different facial expression, which were both photoshopped; see right image)

adding detail; I was particularly happy with the light on the jeans

first few minutes

second pass (deepened center shadows; refinement of face area) - still room for improvement in blending of the shadows and preservation of edges

first pass (some glare; background was also very patchy)

second pass hanging in my show (: