Portraits by Judy Burgarella: acrylic paintings

Not quite finished with this one, but it started out today as a quick acrylic demo at the Sebastian River Art Club, in my class, and I just couldn't let it alone. What a face on this native African, strong cheekbones, great cut of his chin ... except when I got it home and looked at it in another light, he looked a bit feminine ... and beautiful. Consequently, he may turn out to be a she. Besides, there were some wonderful female ear adornments and headdresses and hairdos that I would just love to paint in. Just have to soften the cut of the chin, make the lips a little redder, and put some eyelashes in and she'll be stunning. I love the way she's looking straight at you with such strength, courage and conviction. An intelligent and agile mind behind those eyes I would say. . . . What a bunch of dribble because she's not real--and she's not even a she yet. But people will entertain themselves reading her face and her eyes long after she is launched into a frame.

This photo doesn't do it justice, as there are so many colors mixed into his lights and shadows that can't be seen except in person. Can't wait to work on this one again ... hope I can keep my inspiration with it.

"Ethiopian" Acrylic by Judy Burgarella, 8"x10"

This blog is a sampling of my portraiture, and it has been created for the purpose of providing information about the portrait demonstrations that were conducted at the Sebastian River Art Club, 1245 Main Street, Sebastian. Portrait demonstrations were held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays, and were FREE and open to the public on the following dates:

PORTRAIT DATE AND MEDIUM:

August 28 - Pencil - below is the pencil portrait of Guido Costa, member Kathy Costa's husband, who posed for me for that demonstration. It was a little more than half finished, and the rest I did in my studio. It still is not finished as I did not have a photograph to go by, but I he promises to pose for me again so I can finish up the likeness. Then it will be his.

Guido Costa - Pencil

September 4 - Charcoal in black and white - Pictured below is Club member and Artist Norwood Stanhope who posed for me for the Charcoal demonstration. This portrait was about half finished also, and was another one that I finished up in my studio. Actually this one is not finished either so Norwood "Stan" will have to pose for me again, as I had not photo.

Artist-member Norwood Stanhope - Charcoal

September 11 - Pastel - Below is an about 1/4 finished pastel painting of Noah Lavender, the nephew of Club member Susan Lavender. This portrait is still at the ugly "alien" stage, but I can tell by its start that it will be a great finished product. He was adorable and had a very interesting face to piant (the industry calls "drawing" with pastels "painting"), however an hour is a long time for a growing boy to sit still. So there was yawning, fidgeting, smiling, blinking, stretching, and all the squirming a 10-year-old bored boy could muster up. When I finish this painting I will post the finished product. Can't wait to get back to it.

Got back to it this past weekend, and here are the "before" and "after" paintings. On the left was where I left off at the demo, and on the right is quite a few hours later. For this one I had a photo--a Club member sent it to me so I was able to get a good likeness at home. Just got a new camera thank goodness, and now I'm back in business myself. Noah is almost finished, just needs a few tweaks.

"Noah Lavender" Pastel by Judy Burgarella

September 18 - Watercolor - that's next, so don't miss it! Following are a couple of samples of watercolor portraits - but I will be painting a new one based on my model, artist Kathy Costa.

Got back to Kathy last weekend, and here's the finished product. I hadn't done watercolor very much lately, but I plan on revisiting this exciting medium again soon. The wonderful spontaneity of it thoroughly engages me in the instant splashes of color--unlike other mediums which come to life more slowely. This medium is worth a try if you have yet to explore it. And oh that red hat, what fun!

Artist-member Kathy Costa - Watercolor

September 25 - Acrylic
Below are two examples of acrylic portraits. Tuesday, September 25th my model will be Artist Member Patti Goins. Don't miss it!

Finished up Patti Goins' Painting, below ~

"Patti Goins" Acrylic

October 2 - Oil

Below is journalist and photographer Tania Ortega-Cowan. A few more tweaks, stretching on stretcher bars, frame and it's done. A very pretty girl, and I am happy about this one.

Tania Ortega-Cowan, oil, 24"x20"

Detail of Tania Ortega Cowan

Thanks to all who attended any or all of "Art of the Portrait" demonstrations. I hope you have enjoyed watching me paint, and viewing all the wonderful art in the Sebastian River Art Club's meeting place.

For information about joining the Sebastian River Art Club, visit www.sebastianriverartclub.org , and for information about what's going on in SRAC's Art Center visit www.artcenter-srac.blogspot.com .

Following are samples of my portrait work.

~ PENCIL ~