I have a few projects started now but it is had to push them over the goal line. This is one that I think I will call done for now if only for the reason of saying one finished piece this month. It is a 12"x12” oil painting on a canvas board. I have not varnished it yet, I think I will let it sit around for a while.
Other than that, I am still working through the DFL program with Steve Huston. It is a remarkable course and I am gaining tons of insight into the human form and gesture and structure. Big emphasis on head structure where I am at now with it and I am working on a sketch book of all heads, mostly watercolor.
My process for watercolor head studies begins with establishing the major structural elements. I start with a heavy wash to rough in the big parts—forehead planes, brow ridge, and zygomatic structure. This initial phase is seems important for capturing accurate proportions and the three-dimensional quality of the face.
Once I think I have those pieces in place, I lift out the lights to further define the planes before gradually adding more detail. This approach seems to help me maintain the full volume and structure throughout the process, (at least that is what I tell myself).
I am still in the early stages of trying to learn about color so I try to challenge myself with different color combinations in each study. I am not sure if any of this is working but I think the heads are generally getting better.
Here are what some of those pages might look like:
Also, I did manage to get to one last live drawing session in February with all that I had going on that month. Some of those can be seen here: https://john-huisman.com/feb-2025-live-drawing-session/