A commission portrait done with charcoal. This will be shipped off next week to a new mom! She is very excited to be receiving this. Capturing innocence is always a challenge.
Portrait Commission on 14″ x 11″ Toned Paper
Month: August 2020
AOC Virtual Art Show and Throwback!
Happy to have some of my pieces displayed in this virtual art show with other talented artists:
Click here to view my selected pieces: https://artsonthecoast.org/withun
I also decided to feature one of my older paintings from 2018. I am very passionate about the ecosystem especially since I live in a coastal area. This one was displayed at the Garibaldi Museum in Oregon for an art show dedicated to the coastal areas around the United States.
1 Hour Live Portrait with Charcoal
Portrait with Charcoal on 11″ x 14″ Toned Paper
I decided to add a touch of color using yellow charcoal.
1 Hour Online Live Portrait Study
This was a 1 hour sketch done on 11″ x 14″ Toned Paper using Conte Crayons. I tried to use the tone of the paper as the mid-tone only using the white crayon for the lightest highlights. I have seeing some people blend the white and black for a grey mid-tone. I think this can cool the drawing too much, depending on the color of the paper. It is certainly not a perfect sketch, at least to my standards, but I know it has been a long time since I sketched a live portrait. I will be doing these frequently along with some figure drawings.
All In: Oil on 14″ x 18″ Cradled Wood
I started off with a simple set up for this one using only two of each kind of fruit. I then decided something was missing, so I added the fruit in the shadows. I wanted to implement the stylistic features of Chiaroscuro paintings, which emphasizes dark to light.
Available here: https://vanessawithun.com/still-life/
Untouchable: Oil on 12″ x 9″ Linen Panel
This painting is based on a beautiful photo taken by my husband. I was present when he took it, so I was able to absorb some of the scenery. I added my own touch, of course. I asked people on FB and Instagram to give me a name suggestion, and someone suggested the name “untouchable.” I really liked the touch of irony in the name as I attempt to draw you in with the textures.
My reflection for this painting is to continue to pursue what makes you happy!
I’ve gotten asked several times by people why do I paint given my background. Honestly, I don’t have a good answer. I was in the Army, have gone to nursing school, and hold two bachelor degrees, but I chose to pursue art out of the many things I could have done. I think art was always in me. I had several relatives that were artist, and my uncle is a well know graffiti artist (No it’s not Banksy!). I grew up in Bronx, NY in what you would consider a “rough” area with a single mom, and was able to get through college on my own. It wasn’t until later in life that I began to draw. It took a couple of years to call myself artist, but five years into my art journey, here I am doing this and with no compulsions to quit. I hope that my art and words inspire someone to not give up, and to pursue what makes them happy despite what others think.
This painting and a few others are now available for sale on my website. Simply click and scroll down to the painting: https://vanessawithun.com/
Sunflowers: Oil on 8” x 8” panel
I painted this one a few months ago with acrylic. Today, I decided to go over some of the painting with oil. There are certainly more textures, and there is a bit more realism. I’m actually happy with the turnout. The combination of acrylic and oil allows me to take advantage of both mediums. Although I prefer oils, I sometimes paint my under-paintings with acrylic for faster drying time and better coverage.
I was able to find a frame for this one, so looking forward to this drying. Will also be making this available on my website soon!
I’ve actually decided to put some of my work for sale on my website with a payment option. Shipping is free in the United States. 😊
Purchase here: https://vanessawithun.com/still-life/
Through Hills in Tuscany (Commission) 20″ x 40″ Canvas
This painting took me over a month to complete and is one of the largest I have painted thus far! I was able to get some progress shots, which I frequently forget to do.
Progress shot 1: Here I applied a coat of Gesso and toned the canvas.
Progress Shot 2:
I did the initial block in and filled in the “overall” color, or main color of each sections. Here I made sure to keep the back light and cool. Of course this looks like it could be a painting on its own, but the person wanted more Realism.
Here is more work after adding in more details. I wanted to make sure that one could see where the sunlight was coming from. I also began focusing on the shadows and various textures of the vegetation.
Overall, I enjoyed painting this landscape and I am looking forward to this being in its future location at a school in my city.
V.W. Artist Blog 