I have never had any painting classes before this course

Artworks and story from Alexandra Martins

Hello Natalie! 

It has been a while since I started this online oil painting course, but my job (I’m a military) has taken a turn and I haven’t been able to paint much. Anyway, I’ll return home soon, I hope, and I’m already pulling my sleeves up to continue this course, can’t wait to be able to do that!

I have never had any painting classes before this course and I’ve already learned a lot from it.

I have decided to send you my artworks for critique.

Here’s the portrait of my mother.

I started doing this portrait on Christmas but haven’t finished because it has suffered an accident and has a small rip. I’m planning on doing it again.

I’ve also made a self portrait with pencils.

I struggle sometimes with not overdoing… I am always thinking that it could be better.

I was hoping you could say something about them.

Thank you for your time,

Best regards

Alexandra Martins

Feedback from Natalie Richy, Old Masters Academy tutor

Dear Alexandra,

Thank you for your kind words about our oil painting course. I’m really happy that you found it helpful.



For a beginner who never took any art classes before, you have created great artworks. Your potential is huge, keep painting and drawing!

 
I like the clarity of forms, harmonic colors and balanced composition. The overall impression is very good.

Regarding the small rip on your male portrait. You can try restoring this painting rather than redoing it from scratch. There are ways to glue a piece of canvas on the reverse side and paint over any signs of damage. However, you may do a new one just for practice.

There is one thing you may improve next time you do a portrait. You may want to soften a hairstyle border a bit, so it is not as crisp, but more natural. I think your mother portrait would benefit from a softer transition between the forehead and hairs. Please check how Rubens solved this challenge in his portrait of Isabella Brant.

Peter Paul Rubens Isabella Brant, 1621-25
 
Once again, thank you for sharing your wonderful artworks. Well done Alexandra, keep going! 
 

Best Regards,

Natalie Richy
Old Masters Academy tutor

Learn time-honored oil painting techniques of the Old Masters!