Painting the human face has been one of the most challenging and frustrating studies I’ve done. It requires so much attention to detail and patience. This is my seventh painting of the same subject and I suspect I have at least 15 more before I can honestly say….ok I think I’m onto a good start.

After researching other artists, both masters and contemporaries, it finally clicked with me that learning to paint portraits is a journey. It’s an ongoing journey to master your craft and I’m only about 1 minute into this lifetime journey. Once that sunk in, like really sunk in, I was able to let go of the fear of sharing my studies and receiving feedback. It’s only been a really short time so I couldn’t give any advice from an artist point of view but from a personal point of view, if your just getting started in sharing your interest with other people, keep going because in sharing your interests with the world your open yourself up to more possibilities, and this is ok.

The portrait below is my seventh of the same one, it’s not complete but it does get a little better each time. My peer’s critiques don’t sting as much and my ability to focus while painting has increased. I’m practicing patience which is like pulling teeth, but I think this is my take away. I always want it right now but that’s not how life works and with creating art and writing I’m slowly learning….patience. I don’t know the ending of this journey but I am enjoying the ride and I’m enjoying sharing it with you.

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