7th October

Once I got into the process, it didn’t take me long to work out the best way to use the direction of my brush and layering. 

I often turn my paper, canvas on its edge, and upside down to add details.  Unfortunately, this meant I had some water streaks, which, when the image is the right way up, defy gravity. 

I had to wait for it to dry before I added some of the darker shadows.  I didn’t water the paint down as much when I applied it.

Comparing the final image to the photograph, I think it’s a reasonable likeness if a little light, where his coat is darker.  On reflection, I should have mixed in a little more ultramarine blue to create a little more depth and darker the shade of his hair.

I do like this closer look at his eye.  It’s the one thing that makes the paintings come alive.  Getting the catch lights right.   Not that Astreaus SA is going to see his portrait, but I think I managed to capture a glimpse of his curious personality.