Step 3

I added the first washes over the chair carrying it over the background as well. Still very ugly but this is just underpainting to start it getting darker and the beginnings of the right colours. I also worked on the first washes of colour over the face. Still has to go a lot darker but I am working on figuring out the beginning of modelling the planes of the face. There is still masking fluid on the highlights in the eyes (which still need some work) as well as some in the eyebrows and hair. I have to figure out the best way to make a mustach and beard (I can't believe I have never had to paint those before).

Step 2

Today I started adding a dark wash over the background. It is bluish right now but will end up almost black when finished. The chair is brown leather so that will be washed over the chair and background in the next few steps. I also started the first washes on the eyes. I like doing them first so that I don't waste my time on the rest of the painting if I mess up the eyes totally. I would just start over.

It is very hard to get a decent photo with so much white not covered on the paper.

For the Mrs. step 1

It has been a long time since I've been able to get back to my painting. I am hoping that I can work regularly on it again.
This is the start of my latest painting. Mrs. Clause commissioned a portrait of her Nick (without the "Santa" suit). He was reluctant at first but finally agreed to whatever would make her happy, hence the title "For the Mrs."
It is 24 x 20" but might get cropped a little with framing (however, that decision is far in the future). Here is the first step, the drawing. Sorry for the bad photo but it is impossible to get a good photo of a line drawing.