Kathryn Ragan. Studio at the Farm

Last December, some friends and family and I drove into Vancouver to the Van Dusen Gardens to view the Christmas lighting display. While all sitting in the coffee shop, I asked “S” if I could take a few photos, and try to do a portrait. Thankfully, she agreed. I have known “S” for years – since her mom [ a good friend and neighbour] brought her over trick-or-treating on Halloween; she was dressed up as a lady bug. As she grew up, she became a beautiful young woman – compassionate, intelligent, always ready to offer a hand. The artist in me finds her to be exquisite as well.

The following photos show the progress of her portrait, of which I am very proud.

I tend to use Daniel Smith quinacridone watercolours for their clarity and vibrancy, and the depth and variation of dark hues I can achieve. And I do love the Winsor Newton aureolin yellow. For the skin tones, I used aureolin, quinacridone rose, cobalt blue, with a it of quinacridone burnt orange. For her hair and sweater, I made up my favourite mixture of quin. burnt orange, quin. violet and indanthrone blue.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the evolution of the portrait. I certainly had a good time creating it!

Thank you very much for dropping by!