Tonight’s demonstration was given by Ken Hartman. Ken is originally from Freemont County and has lived in Colorado Springs for the past 11 years. Aside from painting, Ken loves ballroom dancing, fishing, gardening, hiking, backpacking, and chess.
Ken began his portrait with a warm color mix of of orange and red. He then overlaid a cooler color of blue and purple. He said it’s easier to cover warm colors, but it could be reversed.
To paint the hair, Ken mixed Phthalo Green with Alizarin Crimson to make a very dark color. Then, using a soft, damp brush, he soften the edges along the face, so the hair doesn’t look like a wig! He also added highlights of Ultramarine Blue to the hair. Using the same colors as the hair, just varying them a bit with some purple, he worked on the trumpet players shirt.
Ken likes to use a large brush while working because he can work faster. He recommended everyone try using larger brushes.
To add fine detailed lines, Ken uses the end of his brush handle! Ken next worked on lifting some of the paint on the shirt and in the hair to create highlights, using a damp brush and blotting with a paper towel.
He then worked on the details of the face, using a dark mix to create the eyes and to define the trumpet players chin. He also added more of the Phthalo Green and Alizarin Crimson dark mix to add more depth to the hair.
When working on the details of the face and shirt, Ken supports his working had with his other hand to keep it steady and off the paper.
Ken prefers standing while working, and will often take a step back to get a new view of his work and to evaluate what needs more work.
At the end of his demonstration, Ken told us all how he often seals his work with wax or a sealant. He said you could spill a cup of coffee on a wax sealed painting, and there would be no damage!
If you are interested in viewing Ken’s work or taking a class, please visit his website.
