Workshop #2, Painting #1

Portrait Study by Yours Truly

I started my second Mr. Todorovitch painting workshop last night, and produced the above. I'm getting a bit tired of being perpetually dissatisfied with my work. The good thing is that I realized I actually am getting better. If I had produced the above portrait a year ago, for example, I'd be giving myself an almost crippling pat on the back (which is hard to do, with your own hand). But my standards always rise higher than my skills.

So... it would be really nice to just be happy with what I do, but the upshot is that I know I will continue getting better until I'm on my deathbed. Even then, I will probably be drawing my deathbed sheets and periodically setting down my pencil so I can shake my fist in frustration and curse the heavens in my little old lady voice, "Yes, I am finally as good as Bouguereau! But why can I not be BETTER than Bouguereau?!"

Another study

Here's my latest study from Joseph's workshop. Only one more class to go! :(


Nude study #9

Joseph Todorovitch workshop

I'm about halfway through my 10-class figure painting workshop with Joseph Todorovitch. I met Joseph a few weeks ago at a portrait demo he did, and I was totally blown away. When I look at the huge advances I have made with my own painting since I started, it makes me cringe to think about how close I was to staying home that night and watching Arrested Development. Not to belittle the magical, life-changing powers of Arrested Development .

Here is his website, in case you aren't familiar with his artwork: www.onejoseph.com. He is amazing.

Here's my most recent painting from the workshop!