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.

Going Under The Knife?

Palette Knife Portrait Begins. No brushes used at all. 

This morning I am going under the knife - the palette knife that is.

This afternoon I am working hard on finishing up a large triple portrait commission so a quick blast with a palette knife on a looser portrait sketch re-energizes me and gives the big portrait some drying time.

I often find doing something like this to start my art day makes me paint better when I get to the big stuff. Bit like a ballerina doing her 'barre' excercises before she takes the big leap into a pirouette.

Ok,,,back to two easels....

Join me tomorrow...

The Bookie
By Johanna Spinks
Palette Knife Portrait
12 x 16
oil

One space left for my First Friday Atelier Teaching Day in the Malibu Highlands tomorrow. Join me. All aspects of painting will be covered.

email me for details

johanna@johannaspinks.com