The task of mixing flesh colours that are changed by the effect of neon lights, is interesting for me. I have always been fascinated observing the effects of light on colour. The difficulty comes with the use of paint! Paint tends to 'flatten' unless there is good contrast but, to lighten a colour with oils requires the addition of white, which I never do when using watercolours. That being said, I am quite happy with the result so far.
Just a small change in shape can make all the difference. I was unhappy with the open singer's mouth but 'slept on it' and made a small alteration to accentuate his bottom lip which, I feel, is an improvement.

I have resumed painting after a welcome seasonal break with family over Christmas and New Year celebrations. The figures on the balcony of the cafe in New York are providing a constant challenge which I am enjoying. Though I want an accurate picture of the event and the atmosphere of the occasion, I do not want an exact photographic representation, so working wet in wet gives a somewhat blurred image. This announces that it is, in fact, a painting.

Just a few more 'faces' added. I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge of this work, though there is some 'suffering' involved in its execution. I have been told by the lovely person in my household that I look for the faults and not the positives but this is only my quest for perfection in my learning. (My heart tells me that she is right maybe just a little!)

The 'Albergo Doni - Venezia" painting, framed and up on the wall of the client who purchased it who said that "It's meant to be here." I love the painting but am happy that it is in a home where it will be equally loved.

Adding figures to the background. They are a little distorted and very impressionistic but the light of the venue distorts somewhat. It is difficult to make them 'real' and not 'ghoul-like'! I'll keep working on them until I'm happy.

Just a quick update on the 'Off Broadway'
I am working on the background around the figure. I want the faces to be an impression but they need to be 'right' in appearance. The flesh tones are, of course, affected by the 'neon' lighting, which is good, as it gives me many 'liberties' with the tones that I can use. It is liberating and exciting at the same time as being a challenge.

I am still in the early stages of my oil painting based on the inside of a cafe off Broadway un New York. The singing waiter was terrific and should easily get a role in a Broadway production. He leapt between the tables to sing, as did other waiters and waitresses during the evening. The atmosphere was purely American with a capital A. It was thoroughly enjoyable made more so by the company we had. I am compelled to capture the atmosphere on canvas but to capture the 'neon' atmosphere is the challenge as well as making the figures believable. The other aspect is to paint the posters of other singers that adorned the wall on the balcony. I'll keep you posted!