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Practice

Yesterday's and today's efforts are based on Domenico Ghirlandaio's 'Portrait of a Lady' dated 1490.  

Yesterday, the pencil drawing was completed though colorless, it didn't look right.  So today, I painted it in with watercolor.  The face, neck and hand have intentionally been left in pencil.  Only the pupils have been colored in with black Muji pen and white Sharpie was used to highlight them, and a ring on the hand was painted with watercolor.  

I'm pleased with the watercolor except for one area that is a rework.  This medium is finicky, but it can yield beautiful softness and gentle transitions.  It was captivating to see the changes as different colors were added.  I love the simulated mountains and the red dress as well as the flower and leaves.

Note:  Additional face shading and hair work has been done and the newest version is the bottom photo.








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