One of my favorite Spanish painters.
I think you might have heard of the fabulous painter Joaquin Sorolla. He really is one of my heros. He was friends with Anders Zorn among others. Great painters that lived 100 years ago. If ever there is an exhibition of these two Masters of Painting, please use that occasion! Even if you have to travel days. It will have a major impact. They kept me anyway from sleeping.
Less known is Emilio Sala y Frances (1850-1910)
Born in Alcoy (Alicante) and lived in Valencia and Paris, died in Madrid. I show two of his masterpieces. What impresses me is the great power in his work. The painting of José María Semprún is an example of the prototype of the male bourgeois portrait. A bon vivant of the Bell Epoque. What a brilliant and expressive look. And take a close look at the simple and efficient brushwork. I can´t get enough of it!
- Emilio Sala. Retrato de señora.
Hi Ben,
I have my photos ready and done many sketches, and hope you dont mind but I have one question.
I notice you start on pale grey gesso.
I will start the underpainting lightly in acrylic and will paint on top with water soluble oils. (turps affects my health)
My boards are all pre-gessoed in white. Some are linen as I like detail.
Would you advice painting over with a light grey gesso. Can you buy this ready made, and would a tint of blue or green help to add a compliment to skin colour?………….Or shall I just go ahead with the white gessoed board?. I worry that a dark background may dull my subject.
My actual background will be soft bluish- turquoisey greyish mixtures to compliment the subject 7 years old, ( pinkish in red stripey t shirt )
Hi Patricia. My grey is an off-white tint. I make it myseld by mixing black and yellow ochre (acrylics) with the gesso. But be careful not to make it too dark. You also can start with a greyish pink. You will have to try it all to see what suits you the best.
Have fun painting.
Ben
As a rusty art teacher, I must listen to myself (as well as you); and practice practice, and, as you say….. try it all and learn from my experience which includes mistakes and breakthroughs! Thank you for the help! I hope this has helped others who need confidence to keep going.