Working on the Veil

A detail from "Kimberly with Roses" (in progress) 19 1/2" x 15 1/4" egg tempera on true gesso panel (click the image twice for a larger view)

When I work on a medium or large egg tempera portrait I like to establish it a section at a time.  Later I'll go back and begin integrating and refining things more.  Right now the background is still unpainted, but that will come into it later too.  During the most recent painting sessions I focused most of my attention on the Indian wedding veil, particularly the large appliques with embroidery, beads, and sequins.

In Progress: Two Portraits of the Same Person

"The 'Mary' in Kimberly" (in progress) prior to the application of gold leaf and further work on the white veil.

Gold leaf will be applied to the background and sides of the arched panel over the dark red area.

(click each image twice to see a larger version)

Another portrait of Kimberly in progress, wearing an Indian wedding veil and holding roses.

Sometimes I like to paint a series of portraits of the same person utilizing a theme.  In this case, I'm working with a spiritual theme, trying to portray that quality of the divine as it expresses itself within and through Kimberly as a person.

For more details on the thinking behind this series and it's spiritual aspects, visit Grander Joy of Spirit.

"Kimberly with Roses," in Progress

"Kimberly with Roses," (in progress) 19 1/2" x 15 1/4", egg tempera on true gesso panel

I'm enjoying very much painting this portrait which includes both international and spiritual influences. I've begun it in egg tempera on a medium-sized panel.

Egg tempera is a wonderful medium for achieving fine detail and luminosity in portraiture, which can be used alone or in conjunction with oil paint. Egg tempera paint is made by mixing powdered pigments directly with egg yolk and distilled water. It has a long and interesting history, and prior to the invention of oil paint, was the single most popular medium for painting.

I'll share updates on this portrait as it progresses.