Mini Portraits #7 & #8

 Hello Friends,

In an earlier post, I told you about my challenge to do 100 mini watercolour portraits this year. I don't know if I'll make it to 100, but I'm starting to see an improvement in my skills.

I started using reference photos by my 5th portrait. Capturing a true likeness is not something I've been able to achieve, but using a reference photo is helpful.

Portrait #7 uses a photo of my mum when she was young. 

Portrait #8 is me. 

Neither painting looks like us. I think that will be a future goal. I don't want to discourage myself by reaching too far too fast. 

I started Portrait #8 with a wet on wet background of soft pastels. I thought I'd turn a splotch of pink into a flower, but as I tweaked it, it morphed into a butterfly. I like that. Butterflies have significant meaning to me. The hair is exaggerated because I like to draw and paint hair that way.

My dream is to be able to paint portraits that capture the beauty within, rather than just what shows on the outside. I don't know if I'll ever get there, but I'd like to try.

 Blessings,

Teresa