Painting a Seated Woman in a Dress


In November 2020, I discovered that my drawing skills are greatly improved when I am looking at a photo of a person, as opposed to drawing from my imagination.


What a wonderful discovery this was.


It has changed my artwork completely.


I have been using this technique since that time.


artprogression1.webpA sketch of a seated woman in a dress.
artprogression2.webpArt progression of a seated woman in a dress.


Painting a Seated Woman in a Dress - How it Started


I saw this image online, or in a magazine.


I knew that I had to re-create it.


Why?


Because it is so girly.


The woman is oblivious to the fact that she is so glamorous.


She is seated on a dainty, cushioned chair, wearing an elegant dress that is beautifully draped on the floor.


She is sitting uprightly, yet relaxed, as one leg is exposed, and crossed over the other.


Her beauty unknowingly radiates the room.


To her, it's an opportunity to unwind from the challenges she encountered during the week.


I imagine that she is going to soak her hands and feet in preparation for a manicure and pedicure.


She is also going to sit quietly, and enjoy her alone time.


As I observe the photo, and let my imagination be free, I reflect on my newfound drawing ability.


I am excited to get started.


artprogression3.webpArt progression of a seated woman in a dress.
artprogression4.webpArt progression of a seated woman in a dress.


Painting a Seated Woman in a Dress - The Painting Process


This painting is watercolor and acrylic on canvas.


At the time of painting, watercolor was a new medium for me.


I was learning how to navigate using it.


I found it to be difficult to control.


The colors blended together when I didn't intend for them to.


Yet, I still enjoyed working with this medium.


I couldn't always control the colors from blending together, but the final result still looked nice.


I liked the way the colors were faint in some areas, and darker in others.


The paint on the skin is blotchy, as I didn't add enough water to the paint.


The curly afro is painted with acrylic, and was fun to create.


When the painting was completed, I was amazed at its loveliness.


(I have not been able to locate the final image with the make-up, fingernail polish and toenail polish.)


I do, however, look forward to creating these types of images again and again.


artprogression5.webpA painted seated woman with a dress.


Painting a Seated Woman in a Dress - Stencils


Tap into your own creativity, and create images of people, and other objects with stencils!