Georgia Man


"Georgia Man" 
6x8 oil on canvas
Carol Horzempa


In Karin Jurick’s latest DSFDF challenge, she posted a reference photo of a man at the Perry, Georgia State Fair. I chose to crop the photo to what interested me the most and also decided to set a limit on my painting time. Testing myself to see how fast I could paint this challenge, I surprised myself by finishing this portrait in 2 1/2 hours. I have a habit of measuring distance between shapes with the handle of my paintbrush and thumb which really speeds the process and something Karin suggested on this challenge.

I painted over a bright orange acrylic undertone, which can be seen poking through throughout the painting. I used a touch of my favorite Rembrandt Transparent Oxide Red in the skin tones along with a mixture of Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow Medium, and Cobalt Blue plus Titanium White.

There are several things I could have changed to get it “just right” but this time I decided to leave it and shoot for speed and fresh brushstrokes. I think this was the most fun I had of all Karin's challenges!

UPDATE: I just reread Karin's instructions and realize the focus of this challenge was suppose to be on the whole figure...oops!

29 comments:

  1. Carol, this is wonderful for all of the things you have mentioned, red-orange undertones peeking through, liquid brushstrokes...good thing to stick with what was obviously working for you! I have never tried the Rembrandt color you mentioned, but may have to try it sometime.

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  2. You should be very well pleased with this one...it's fabulous! Composition, colors, brushstrokes, it all works, great, great entry!

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  3. Your painting came out GREAT, Carol - wonderful job. Nicely cropped.

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  4. NICE!! I'm exclaiming this with a huge smile and my eyes wide open! I love it Carol....kudos!

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  5. Nice painting on this one Carol and thanks for the mention of colors used for the skin color. The result has a nice glow and rich look.

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  6. Great job, Carol! I'm a huge fan of coloring the support with a warm acrylic, then allowing it to peek through in the final work. Looks great!

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  7. Beautiful portrait Carol! Your skin tones are so rich and warm, nice crop too!

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  8. You did a beautiful job on his face. This transparent red oxyde seems to be so rich and warm... Definitely on my buying list... !-)

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  9. Carol I love your brushwork. Great job. Beautiful warm skin tones.

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  10. Carol, I just LOVE the way the warm background color is picked up in the warm skin tones. This is lovely! (I also am a huge fan of Rembrandt transparent red oxide - also like their Ultramarine Blue Deep.)

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  11. Hi Carol, thanks for dropping by my blog..
    you have really added warmth to this painting.Very nice job:)

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  12. Carol, you did a wonderful job on this portrait...very warm and painterly.

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  13. Wonderful Carol!

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  14. The colors are perfect, Carol and I love your brush work. I hope to post my as soon as it dries a bit more. It WAS a challenge, right?

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  15. Absolutely stunning, Carol. Everything about your painting works-color, composition, brushwork. A real stand out.

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  16. Ha, you too! Well the Nun didn't put the ruler to my hands for not following instructions. You did very well.

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  17. Speed is certainly working for you! this is fantastic, Carol. I wouldn't worry about the whole figure. You've "said it all" with great mastery.

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  18. This is very nice! I love the crop. It makes a wonderful portrait.

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  19. Wonderful job on this...and so quick! Love it for all the reasons you mentioned. Great color, and thanks for giving us your skin palette.

    Hey...don't feel bad. I did exactly the same thing about focusing on what was interesting instead of the assignment. Bet you colored outside the lines when you were a little girl too, didn't you? ;)))

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  20. Very nice job on this challenge. Looks like everyone agrees on your choice of colors and style!

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  21. Your painting is my favourite so far from the challenge paintings. Wonderful work.

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  22. Never mind the whole figure... this is fantastic!

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  23. Who needs directions...great painting.

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  24. Carol, looking at yours has helped me decide that I will paint this guy over again in oil, and try to shoot for your wonderful warm palette in the skin tones. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  25. I feel the warmth and the distant gaze of the eyes. Nice work, Carol, you rule breaker!

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  26. Nice use of color in this one Carol. I broke the rules too...isn't that what being an artist is about? Great job.

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