I’ve been missing my brushes lately, especially my bristle brushes. I used to dislike them because they are pretty stiff when I wanted to do fine detail. Now, I am finding a love for them because they really are great in applying a lot of paint, and leave lovely drag-marks as I rake through the oils.

Here is my initial portrait on an 8×8 inch panel.

Yummy brush texture.

After a few days of drying, I can finally start the cutting process.

Looking back, I should have left it at this stage here. I like the empty bottom corner to show the thickness of the paint compared to the surface of the panel. There’s always next portrait!

And finished!

The cool color palette of the 6 layers of paint works well with the warm skin tones, I hope to do a few more male portraits like this one coming up after I finish the diptych I’m currently working on. Have a great afternoon!

-Caitlin