Who is afraid of the dark?

Portrait painting from photographyThe workshops at Table-Tableau are done and I’m back at work in my studio. On the easel is a portrait of a lady. In September she celebrates her 70th birthday, for which the painting must be delivered. I hope that the client once gives permission to show you some images. So, I’m back behind my easel. The best place to be!

Don´t be afraid of the shadows in portrait painting
Don´t be afraid of the shadows

Whilst painting I think of my students of the past weeks. Everyone comes up with specific questions and I try my best to answer. My aim is to provide solid coaching. It is striking that many people are afraid of the shadows. “Is that so important?” You might ask. I believe so. In my long video tutorial I show why. Starting with the light flesh colours often a portrait ends up too light. And it is a difficult job to obtain darker values. Making beginners aware that they are shy of shadows is one of my missions during the workshops.