Palette Knife Portraits

"The New York Times Crossword"
NFS
By Johanna Spinks
Oil, 12x16
Palette Knife

When I pick up the palette knife to paint a portrait I feel like I am 'home'. I can't explain it. It's a 'feeling thing'. Have you ever felt that way?

 I never get to work this way on commissioned portraits but I wish I could.

This is hot off today's easel...painted with no brushes at all. It takes me a little longer but I like all the carving out of the planes with a knife like you are a sculptor and the happy accidents of paint slopping about.

I also enjoy the effects from the different shaped knives.

I also enjoy most of all not having to clean brushes afterward.