Jeff Watts Workshop, Final Day

I am so thankful to have been able to take this workshop with Jeff Watts. He has long been quite an inspiration to me because of his tremendous talent and his passion for art. People with such passion change everyone and everything they touch. What a bright and shining star!

The final day of the workshop was dedicated to studying and copying a master's painting. Jeff brought several artists from which to choose. I chose this one by Nicolai Fechin.

After Fechin #3

"Red Head"

14:x18", Oil on Canvas

I must confess that I don't know the title Fechin gave this painting or the gender of the model. It seems most think it is a girl but, it looks like a boy to me. Something about it makes me feel he/she was a young composer. Impressions and personal interpretations! That's all that really matters in the end. 

After Fechin #2

"Girl With Shawl"

14"x18", Oil on Canvas

 I am unsure of the title Fechin gave this painting. It is another study and I have given it a title that helps me identify it. 

I loved all of the Fechin studies but, when this one began to remind me of my middle granddaughter, I decided to leave it as it was and end the study. I should have her pose in a similar way while she is still about this girl's age. 

After Fechin #1

"Alexsandra"

14"x18", Oil on Canvas

In the fall I was privileged to be able to take a workshop with William "Bill" Schneider. I had met him several years ago and was so impressed by his passion for art and generous spirit that I determined I had to take a workshop with him one day. When he offered one on Techniques of the Old Masters and, specifically Nicolai Fechin, I knew this was the one!

 This painting is of his wife, Alexandra, and was the first of three that we studied. All of these studies were allowed about three hours and I am very pleased with each one.