Back home and unpacked, my attention returns to the artwork. I want to update you and the Gold Miner’s hand. I’ve done a bit more work and thank that they are finally right–just right!!
To review, a few weeks ago I finished a new piece, with the exception of the figure’s hand. Here is how it looked then:
I’m striving to better understand the use of value, temperature. Initially, I used cooler threads for the hand in the background and warmer threads for the hand in the foreground. The contrast was too great and the back hand looked necrotic.
Realizing that I needed to blend threads from each hand into the other, I searched for more information. Jim, my husband and live-in art teacher, gave some instruction and guided me through observations of my own hands. I studied hands painted by old masters such as Titian, and Raphael. Then, it was time to re-attack.
Keeping in mind the direction of the light source, and reflected light from the water, as well as the tissues under the skin such as bone, muscle, or veins, I went back to work. I think these new hands are a big improvement and I’m declaring this piece finished!
Now, it’s time to turn my thoughts and energy to the next new piece: six guys on a bike. Check back and I’ll keep you posted on the progress.