The BEST of 100 Portraits : Ferd 89/100

Many of you commented on how hard it was to pick your favorite from the ten group winners. The voting finally narrowed down to a contest between Ferdinand and Jonathan. Ferd took the honors and bragging rights by ONE vote. I think it's a combination of the vibrant colors I used and his congenial expression that most people responded to. Congratulations to Ferd (and Kim who took the photo, no doubt.)

You have all been great sports in following my blog and voting. The book is done, but I'm not going to offer it for sale until I get my proof copy to make sure everything is OK. I think you're going to like it.

I now know what my next project is going to be, but you'll have to wait several months to find out what it is. With the summer outdoor show season about to start, I have to paint like mad for that. After all, I wouldn't want to pay $500 for a booth fee and have nothing to sell!!!

100 OIL PORTRAITS IN 100 DAYS - Ferdinand, 89/100, © Carol Nelson Fine Art

Day 89

This is Ferdinand, husband of Kim, 88/100. I absolutely LOVE how Ferd turned out. Not to sound like a broken record, but that is really fantastic lighting in the reference photo. I especially like the reflected light on the shadow side. This is a great example of the darkest shadow being right next to the edge of the light. I used a mixture of prussian blue and paynes gray in that dark stripe down the middle of Ferd's face.
Ferd did present a few problems. He's wearing those almost invisible eyeglasses where you only see the top of the frame. Also, he doesn't have a full beard, but he's not clean shaven either - just a hint of stubble. I think those problems were worked out and I'm very pleased with the result.
This painting is sold.

Tomorrow I'm giving a workshop all day, so I don't think I'll get a new portrait done. It will be good to keep this portrait up for a couple days anyhow. Have a great weekend.