Portrait Painting

Journal Lesson

Explore Art History by creating a soft, feminine portrait inspired by Gwendolyn John, using vintage imagery.

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Let us jump back into a bit of Art History and create with Welsh artist, Gwendolyn John. We will use vintage imagery to create a soft, feminine portrait. Gwen John often painted women reading or opening letters. I love the symbolism of this. It always makes you wonder what message she may have just received…

I will show you my entire process here from underpainting to finishing touches. The result is a poignant and sensitive portrait with a wonderful sense of history.

8’ x 10’” stretched canvas or linen
Mechanical pencil
Brushes
Palette
Varnish - I use Gamvar
Rags

‍Gamblin Torrit Grey

If using oils - Linseed Oil or Galkyd Medium
If using oils - Odorless Mineral Spirits - I use Gamsol

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