An Afternoon at the Races

by Marsha Robinett on 7/31/2010 11:34:35 AM3 Comments

Christina Xamis

Watercolor on paper
7.5 x 10

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait
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My First Watercolor Portrait... The photo used for this painting was actually given to me to use as reference for a commissioned pencil drawing. I thought it was a perfectly captured moment in time. Christina and a friend were on a European Holiday and took in the horse races...fancy hats and all.

Her friend took this photo as Christina learned her horse had just won the race. You can see the racing card and pen still in her hand and you can almost feel her spontaneous surprise and excitement. Christina has the most beautiful eyes...and yes, all those lashes are hers.

Stepping out into a new medium or technique is always a bit scary. Our 'comfort zone' is secure place to live but stretching our wings to reach for new heights is always an emotional trip. It's easy to become complacent when we are comfortable and confident in what we do. Art is no different...doing something different shows us what we are made of or NOT.

I've 'dabbled' in watercolor over the years and laid it down for the more familiar pencil work that comes naturally. I made a pact with myself to 'whip' this illusive medium this year and feel I made a real dent in getting there with this portrait. Still a long ways to go but am pleased with the progress.

I've been antsy of late to try a watercolor portrait. One of my big challenges with watercolor is to not always try to control it. I keep wanting to correct those little watercolor mishaps...you know, the stuff that makes watercolors beautiful. (it must be the realistic pencil artist residing inside me). It's really difficult to just walk away from the painting and QUIT..before I muddy it up.

*You can see a larger version of this watercolor portrait in My Little Paint Box collection

For my first portrait I'm happy...only hope I can do another one before I forget what I did here:)

Christina's parents and their family are out of town on a holiday of their own and have not yet seen this painting yet. If they want, I will still do a pencil drawing...in fact I may do one anyway as my pencils have been screaming at me for some time now.

In closing: I would encourage you to not become too comfortable in what you do. Don't be afraid to 'step out' and try something a little different. It doesn't need to be a new medium...how about just a new subject for starters?

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Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:10-11

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3 Responses to An Afternoon at the Races

	Marian Fortunati via marsharobinett.com	19 months ago
	Hi Marsha!! I remember seeing this from an earlier time and I loved it then... It is a fabulous portrait. I am just flabbergasted that this was your first attempt at a watercolor portrait. You are really really a "master"!!

	Gwen Ontiveros via marsharobinett.com	17 months ago
	Bravo!

	Dylan via marsharobinett.com	16 months ago
	I have the same urge keep the face sharp and photo-realistic, to the point where it doesn't seem belonging in a setting with mostly raw big brush strokes. First of all, human eyes are so sensitive to minor subtleties in the face. All irregularities can make the subject uglier, as we have trained our eyes to see zits, wrinkles, stray hair... from just a glance. Another problem is the viewing distance, as more details are more "generalized" when the viewer steps away from the painting. I can't control the viewing distance. Thanks for sharing for yet another masterpiece. Her face expression and the story with it are worth saving on canvas forever.

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