Wednesday, 16 March 2011

The Cowgirl Series .. Cowgirl I: Pride of Texas

On the Painting Friends forum, we are currently having a portrait challenge.
Its such fun being in a community of painters and having challenges set. They're not compulsory of course, but joining in is, I find, a great way to stretch your capabilities.
In this one, we were given a picture of a tailor's dummy and asked to make her into a portrait. First picture is the dummy  - in case you can't tell :)
The painting is named Pride of Texas, because if you look very closely at the cheek in shadow, there's a star in there. A happy watercolour accident! 

I was so entranced by this painting, I decided to try it again - and again - using different techniques. So don't be surprised when you see more Cowgirls popping up on my blog :) 

Dummy



Cowgirl I :Pride of Texas

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31 comments:

  1. Unknown16 March 2011 at 00:34

    Nice work Pat. It's so much fun belonging to a forum. I was in one that was like that with challenges etc. The owner closed it down due to illness.

    Keep up the good work. How's the studio going.

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  2. Pat16 March 2011 at 00:50

    What a shame that it closed, Dors. :(
    Could you not start a similar one for pencil artists? or even a challenge blog? I know I would miss Painting Friends terribly if it went!

    Glad you like the cowgirl - and the studio is lovely.. went back in about a week ago..spring is arriving here!

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  3. Prabal16 March 2011 at 02:09

    Lovely proportions in the portraits. I always struggle with proportions. And the colors are very light and airy too. Nice work.

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  4. Anamaria do Val16 March 2011 at 02:12

    Hello Pat! spring is a perfect time to paint outdoors, I imagine you must have lovely places to go. Your cowgirl is so nice, ligths and shadows very well placed, very good work. Hugs from Anamaria

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  5. Ann16 March 2011 at 02:24

    very nice painting. I like things like this and seeing the wide variety of approaches that people will take.

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  6. Judy16 March 2011 at 02:39

    I like the cowgirl!
    What a good idea that painting forum!

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  7. Pat16 March 2011 at 04:06

    Thank you, Prabal, Anamaria, Ann and Judy.
    Glad you all like her. I wanted to improve on portraits .. they were a nemesis for me, so this was a great exercise!

    Judy, the forum has a link on the right of my blog - there are members from all over the world - and Friends are always welcome! xx

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  8. Maria's Watercolor16 March 2011 at 05:25

    Pat, I love this! Love how you captured the shadow and light, your cowgirl is quite beautiful!

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  9. Tito16 March 2011 at 05:49

    I like your cowgirl, Pat. Very nice colors and shadows. You have remebered me that few years ago, I took a picture of a cowgirl in New York, I should find this photo and check whether could be a nice subject or not. Ciao!!

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  10. Anonymous16 March 2011 at 07:07

    Pat, I love your painting! You gave that "dummy" warmth and life in your painting...

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  11. Miss Hillbilly16 March 2011 at 08:13

    I like her! I think you are doing well in your exercises of painting portraits. I look forward to seeing your other cowgirls and the other techniques you used.

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  12. Christiane Kingsley16 March 2011 at 10:14

    Painting Friends is indeed a great friendly forum! Your portrait is excellent! You are talented, Pat.

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  13. Pat16 March 2011 at 10:26

    Thanks Maria and Tito.. glad you liked her and her shadows! :)
    Tito, you'll have to find that photo - we could see who is quicker on the draw!

    Thank you Jan - glad you think I managed to make her feel alive!

    Thanks, Tonya - I'm having a lot of fun!

    thank you so much Christiane.. I toodle along in my own little fashion.. but when someone as proficient as you says I have talent, the compliment is a great one!

    and I just love Painting Friends.. such a welcoming, happy place xx

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  14. Mermaid's Palette16 March 2011 at 10:57

    Beautiful, Pat! I love the colors and strong shadow- you really brought her to life!
    Sheryl

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  15. Pat16 March 2011 at 11:06

    Thanks, Sheryl.. :) xx

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  16. Sandra Busby16 March 2011 at 11:19

    What a great idea! And you have done a brilliant job too - I like the striking lipstick :0D

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  17. Pat16 March 2011 at 11:21

    Thanks, Sandra.. glad you think I've done a brilliant job! xx

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  18. Greetings and Gifts16 March 2011 at 12:30

    Love the cowgirl Pat. Very effective. xx

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  19. Pat16 March 2011 at 12:50

    Thanks Jackie xx

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  20. Angelsdoor * Penny16 March 2011 at 18:49

    She has come alive in your painting Pat.. Great work..
    Thank you for your kind words. Happy you enjoyed the bunny painting.
    Blessings,
    Penny

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  21. Ann Buckner17 March 2011 at 05:31

    Love your series, Pat. :)

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  22. Pat17 March 2011 at 06:18

    Thanks Penny xx
    and thank you , Ann xx

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  23. Beryl17 March 2011 at 11:29

    Well done Pat, I really do think I should join the forum, it has certainly provoked you into trying different subjects.

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  24. Pat17 March 2011 at 12:53

    Its a very friendly forum - lots of challenges, but you only do what you want. Like my old squash coach used to say, "you only get out of the game what you put in!"
    I'm glad you like my cowgirl xx

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  25. Cora17 March 2011 at 14:12

    Your cowgirl is lovely. I like how you made her color livelier.

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  26. Pat17 March 2011 at 14:14

    Thanks Cora xx

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  27. SKIZO17 March 2011 at 15:03

    WonderfulWorkGoodCreations:)

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  28. gabriele18 March 2011 at 07:33

    Complimenti, bello questo acquerello, luci e ombre sono meravigliose. Brava. Ciao ciao.

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  29. Im Zweiten Stock19 March 2011 at 06:19

    She's beautiful. I told you, you are a great

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  30. Dora Sislian Themelis21 March 2011 at 16:03

    Nice job Pat! It's as if a live person sat for this portrait.

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  31. cathyswatercolors27 March 2011 at 11:47

    Oh Pat i just read about Missy,she is soooo cute.

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