Today we scheduled a second sitting for my portrait. I'm kind of a do-do when it comes to portraiture. Many times yesterday it seemed as though Emily was doing mathematical calculations regarding angles and perspective. She'll probably laugh to read that assessment, but that's what it looked like to me. She sketched first then started using a thinned paint the tone of umber for a loose under-painting. Today she continued with the under-painting with greater detail. The purpose of the under-painting is to develop structure. Now she'll begin using color to literally flesh out the portrait, which she can start by using the photographs she took yesterday and today. Imagine the emerald and lavender and golden topaz and creamy pearls with a hint of pink and the slender stream of sunlight from the window behind me. It will be marvelous!








These photos do not do the canvas justice at all. Everything about the likeness is excellent. My eyes got all weepy when I saw how well Emily had *caught* me. I'm so impressed. It's worth noting that most portraits capture the subject sans smile and that's what I've chosen. The photos make my countenance look serious when in fact Emily has me looking quite dignified. :)

We decided to downplay the background a bit. The Roosevelt chair was swallowing me up. We talked technique and Emily is going to lean into a Mary Cassatt impressionistic style for the background. The photo below is an example.
I'm quite thrilled.