Last week I actually worked with two sitters in one day!

For the first time in at least a decade. Can’t believe I had the energy! In the afternoon I did a mixed media study of Anna, and in the evening began this second portrait of Shakrah.

For this one she is elegant in black, holding a fabulous microphone from the 30s.

I started with a canvas toned gray, as I learned this year that Sargent always used a grey canvas.

It really helps, just like the toned gray and tan papers I’ve been using for my drawings! Starting with a midtone somehow makes everything easier.

I also drew a quick sketch with charcoal on the canvas to begin, which I haven’t done since college.

I usually paint completely alla prima, directly on the canvas with no underpainting or underdrawing at all. But I wanted to get the feathers in!

Shakrah’s headpiece, which she made, is so tall I knew I had to adjust the proportions and figure placement!

You can see the first portrait I made of her here. I am thrilled to be working with Shakrah again as she is excellent company as weil as visually inspiring and the sittings fly by.