Expressionist Portrait of Nikki

I try to hone my craft as much as possible. The Austin Visual Arts Association provides an incredible opportunity where local artists can show up, and for only $5, paint or draw from a live nude model for three hours. Cannot beat it. 

After the Balkan seminar, I was painting more naturalistically, but I really get my verve when taking a more expressionistic approach. I quite like not knowing what direction a painting will take until it happens. I maintain that observation and nuance from a live model is critical to this kind of work. Drawing still comes first, then value.  Color is its own story. The pop of red makes this painting work, and I’d like to continue in this fashion.