For more than a year now I have been painting faces using only black and white gouache. One way I have finished the background is with a flat color.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pf8n21ay4S1oQhhz_hYjXrI1cvQBdASujSNTF1z_mgwlB9mZkpq-WHFypR76bHOP79OgAJjKno6HIgVUGHsxgt72r-rpzABoUSxyYwXQ6sI1QGxR7YTGVjBvkpYuCYwCrn52MlL4NVLh8cjyaYgs8yHkgDk1Y3uuKKYIycucyHeKBHzHmloiXlAetZ2l/s320/Carhart%20Man%20copy.jpeg) |
He's a Carhartt Man |
Then I've tried creating a background that tells more of the story.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NBHX7hgtd6Lblc02D9grEeHl7DLTAWqj-1EVDQIb7CcmPPb_Rdfc2Ueo6OGwJqGSdPzAuDljXH9eUNhBuRekYo1k8PRikvG3jmcYUkOHAc9ETOD8OlV45nkcPCZnZfRJAY0RbURjzjB2QcRcasNSnVQTWgelS2mM_QxNSc11fIZV82Qzovh8vIFGCady/w328-h400/IMG_2089%204.HEIC) |
One Must Always Wear Pearls
|
Now I am struggling to find an interesting way to add to a portrait without such a storytelling background, yet something that adds interest. Below you can see more of my experimenting with a face and background.
Trial and Error
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nKc042L7GhyphenhyphenaHBS_EnJn0GZnsHrEtcCl69LllJf_2ZoynLfXT_VV6aiRBDxomEhZfxihyphenhyphenP70wN_kHZUE4_f2ev8Jm9emv0ad2qEFCU3Y2Q2UU4Jhwcs79E7ekUn6Ac2aYIC88TY-1SNaJvLW12YNIpbJEUhgGAuGdqtrLMKmLuzc9N7IR_fLfbbWfKN0/w640-h493/IMG_2169.HEIC) |
Open Window |
Finally arriving today with the soft greens floating around her face, (notice green eyes) I have a story. You know that moment when you open a window and smell cool fresh air? It can almost feel like the outdoors is coming right in and surrounding you.
Comments are welcome and often very helpful to me as I struggle through the process of creating something that communicates to my viewers!