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6″ x 6″ oil on mounted canvas
did this quick practice study to get warmed up for another head study of a friend. This one is much better than the one I did of my friend. For one thing, I can paint this face with my eyes closed but it also confirms my concerns about working with someone in the studio. I get nervous and lose my concentration. The study of my friend is labored and stiff in comparison to this one.
8″ x 6″ oil on panel
Bill Sharp - paintings blog 
Great stare, contrasts and essence here Bill. I really like how loosey goosey your strokes look, yet they say everything.
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Bill, the top portrait really doesn’t come across as labored and stiff, as you say. I don’t think people can see how you were feeling on this one. That forehead is so well rounded and the nose well constructed. You kept your characteristically loose, devil-may-care brush strokes despite any nervousness.
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Thank you, Bonnie.
Silvina, I was pretty happy with the top one as a warm up sketch it was the bottom painting that I stiffened up on. I’m not sure what you mean by “I don’t think people can see how you were feeling on this one”
Thank you both for your thoughts, I value them.
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from my perspective these are both excellent portraits–I don’t see preoccupation or nerves…but , of course, you know yourself best. I love the expressions in both. You are such a good painter!
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You’re very kind, Celeste.
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