Medieval Girl
An acrylic on canvas. Portrait of a Medieval Girl, losely based on Mary Boleyn. 40×40 cm. (16” x 16”)
I had already experimented with this image using Corel Painter, so thought it was about time I tried to paint it.
Some of the stages, in case anyone is interested:




Medieval Girl belongs to the following groups:
1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture , Complex Simplicity of Art, "Real" Life Artwork (No Photography), ***♂♥♥QUORN♥♥♀, Acrylic Painting, All About Your Best Work, All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Art from the Workplace, Art Inspired by Dreams, Art Students and Beginners, AW Welcome Center, Back In Black ( sorry~NO PHOTOGRAPHY), British Painters, Decorative and Traditional Art, Dimensions, FAN FRENZY, Fine Arts, Live, Love, Dream: , Mature Woman, Mixed Media, Mood & Ambience - Strictly Photos, Nerds Unite, Paintings From Beginners, Realist Traditional Art, Safe Haven, That One Great Shot, The Eyes Have It, Vibrant and Vivid Color and Woman Appreciation Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters


Richard G Witham
Well done! very expressive.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Richard.
CateTownsend
Great work Oneill
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Cate. Call me Rob
Brandylynn
Nice to see the stages. Great finished product.
mlgkats
this is great , you are very talented
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Migkats. I am not so sure about the talented—but it’s nice to hear it.
VanSnuG
Rob, Thanks for this Scarlet. :-)
Robert O'Neill replied
And thanks for the view Van.
ktspinstu
it’s wonderfuly done and i like the piece, but she looks a little demonic. is that the look you were going for? it looks nice either way.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks for the view. Not necessarily a demonic look. In the reference photo, it is quite an intense stare. I had some problems with the printers at work printing off a decent copy—so there was some distortion in the finished product. A lot of the time, I just couldn’t see what I was painting. I kept having to rush to the computer monitor and back to the canvas.
Fiona Jack
Wonderful work Rob, love the colours – paint more often!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Fiona. I shall try to paint—if I get the time.
gypsycaster
Really lovely.
Her eyes are so piercing and mistrustful…but then it IS based on M Boleyn.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Gypsy. I know the story, but haven’t yet seen the film—is it any good?
mrscarlotta
Hon, u are so talented, love this hon , just brilliant xx
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Carlotta. Glad you like it. It took a few days to do. Just finished today.
RMonroe
Love the look in her eyes. Beautiful Portrait:)
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Robin.
Crespuscular
Brilliant work!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Cres.
April Mansilla
you did a spectacular job on this !!!!!!
ps can you hear me clapping:)
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks April. Really happy you like it.
cheetaah
I always liked to see the work at process, and I see you did an amazing work on it, you must be proud of it. Well done.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Hasmig. I always want to know how others work, so I thought I would show some of the stages of my own.
joak
well done its great
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Joak. Glad you like it. Someone should paint you and the boys in your Jacobite gear,
TeriLee
Incredible work….love this a lot!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks for the view TeriLee.
cheetaah
You should do more and add more pictures on progress. I have never seen one, and had no idea you do layers. I thought you do the way I do, paint and finish it. lololol
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks for the encouragement Hasmig. I would like to paint more. If I get the time I shall.
Yes, there was lots and lots of layers on this one. For example, on the dress/sleeves , there was about 9 separate colour glazes—then on top extra shadows and highlights plus gold decal/patterns.
joak
gud idea dinny ken if you would get a big enough canvas! but if ye were offerin!
Robert O'Neill replied
Anything’s possible.
Jay Michelsen
Excellent!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Jay.
stephaniek
Very nice!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Stepaniek.
Paul Vanzella
How amazing is this! Just love your style! Great seeing the amount of work and build up of form and colour!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Paul. Yes, there was a lot of build up. As I said before, I couldn’t get a printout that was good. In the end I got a sharp bW copy but had to run to the computer to check colours and so on. Next time ….
Jacqueline Baker
WOW! didn’t realise you were so talented!!!! You should definately pursue this more often and you did it in a matter of days? i’m impressed!! Paint on!
Robert O'Neill
Thanks Jaqueline. I did it over about 5 days about five hours each day, more or less. I think the trick is the old fashioned way of underpainting first, clour and then highlights/details last. I could have done it actually quicker with a decent photo.
The sleves were remarkably quick, (I got lucky) even though I did lots of layers. I had a heater on standby. I went over it a couple of times in greenish layers, until I realised it was blueish. When I started applying blue layers, from start to finish was about 45 minutes.
RosaCobos
It is really interesting to see a work in progress..
She has de definite defiant and at the same time afraid expression..
And there is a great difference in the way you have painted her right or her left side .. in the face.Even in her eyes..
It is really intersting to feel it… It has much more meaning thatn just a simple opinion… It moves something inside.. exlains..
I would love to know more about the model… or your own intention or likes wehn you decided to paint her..
Very beautiful..
Rosa
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Rosa. The model is Scarlett Johannsen, from the film The Other Boleyn Sister (I have not seen the film). She is Mary Boleyn.
I came across a still from the film some months ago. It just reminded me of an old classic painting.
Many of the stills I have seen from the movie seemed to be posed and framed as if they were ‘old masters’.
I just fancied trying to paint one.
I might try painting another from the film. Perhaps Natalie Portman as Anne.
See if I have time!
One day I might watch the film.
Thanks for your interest Rosa.
Rob
PennyEdwardes
My God! I have such respect and awe for people like you who can paint with such skill! Magnificent!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Penny. What a lovely comment.
Joe Valcourt/M...
beautiful work Rob (sorry I never thought to use your name and meant no disrespect). Joe
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Joe for the view. No problem Joe. All the best with the computer
Druidstorm
A master of your craft, truly excellent artwork!!!...:))
Robert O'Neill replied
Some very kind and flattering comments, Druid. Thank you very much. I am glad of your support.
Dawnsky2
very well done indeed oneill, how nice to see the stages of your art work too,,:o)
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Dawnsky for the view. Call me Rob.
Mui-Ling Teh
It’s interesting to see the progression; thanks for sharing. The colors, lighting and contrast is pretty.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks for the view. Glad you like it.
Elizabeth Burns
wow, that looks amazing.well done
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Elizabeth. I appreciate the comment.
RSart
beautiful paintings.. eminds me of period dramas.. she looks a little like Scarlett Johansson.. i like the clour shade of her lips
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Rosa. Glad you like it.
Maggieposh
Great work, love your style.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Posh for the view.
HELUA
This is an amazing portrait! Really love this art of yours !
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Helua. Glad you like it.
jomash
Very impresssive, love the old techniques, quite inspiring
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Joanne. I appreciate your comments.
(Just loaded up a recent version. Had lens and perspective distortion issues. Just warped it in Photoshop. Hopefully it’s better.)
Hidemi Tada
very nice shadowing! well done!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Hidemi for the view.
Rob
machandel
Reminds me a bit of the painter Cranach. Good details.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Machandel. To be compared to someone is quite an honour. Thank you for that also.
1960Fairlane
EXCELLENT in every way,Rob! The lady reminds me of a special friend of mine! :D
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks a lot for the view. Happy to know the image gives you a happy memory! Hope she is cute.
Rob
1960Fairlane
LOL! Thank YOU,Rob! :D
ElYPares
Breath-taking.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks EIyPares. Very nice thing to say.
ROb
ltruskett
STUNNING…........ I love the way you have portrayed the light on her face and the way it changes the eye colour…......so well done…....love it.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks. I much appreciate the comment. Glad you like it.
Rob
ToastedGhost
I just find it a intense stare, no demons here.
Very well executed, I sometimes think I should you back to oils but then that scares me silly
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Toasted. There is something about real painting that feels better than digital when the process is underway. Oils take a while to dry—digital is instant.
But oil is just fantastic when finished.
ToastedGhost
I agree!
Sensiworld
Wow, great work !
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Sylvia
Antanas
great work, perfectly done
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Antanas. It was hard work, but happy now it’s done.
Avril Brand
Gorgeous work! I love to see how a WIP progresses. Both the painting and the digital art is magnificent.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Avril. Glad you like it.
Rob
HenkStolk
Love this one
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Henk.
cleosartstudio
Fabulous Rob. You are very talented.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Cleo. Sorry about the delay in replying. Been moving house.
Monique Alvis
the process is VERY interesting
wow-ness!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks a lot. A bit late replying…been moving
Anette Tyler
Perfect
kathysgallery
Outstanding work!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Kathy. Glad you like it.
Shauna O'Neill
The live version is a bazillion times better!!!! Was thoroughly impressed by this piece of work!!!!!!!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Shauna. Yes, I have to agree with you there. I think I will re
photograph it and load it up again-once I re-assemble my computer.Shauna O'Neill
haha yes once you eventually get to re-assemble. By the looks of things that wont happen till the 39th of Julember
Robert O'Neill replied
Probably!!!! Unless I get some help!!!!
Dayonda
WoW!! very fine work/
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Dayonda.
artist4peace
love it!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Artist. Glad you like it.
Dani Dreyer
Robert, this is extremely impressive, reminds me of Vermeer, the old master.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks a lot Dani. I am very flattered by such a comment.
I am still trying to get a good shot of it. The original still looks different to the one loaded up. Tried various settings and lighting conditions.
Might try to get it scanned.
But once again thanks
Rob
Janis Zroback
Beautiful work Robert…her eyes are so expressive…
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Janis.
Van Cordle
Excellent work!!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks so much Van. Appreciate the view.
Rob
frogster
Stunning work and really liked how you showed the different stages.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Frogster
AnitaInverarity
Lovely painting x Thank you for coming to visit my site also xx
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Anita.
mariarty
Wonderful attention to detail.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks a lot
Ciska
Your are so talented, this is amazing, I love the eyes
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Ciska. Glad you like it.
midnightdreamer
Wow Robert….you are an amazing artist, this is truly a beautiful piece of work, a masterpiece!
Peace Always
Leah♥
Robert O'Neill replied
THanks for the lovely comments Leah.
Anni Morris
Robert, it is so interesting seeing this work in progress…and being able to watch it ‘come to life’ . A beauty image you’ve created here, I can feel her personality through the paint. ~ Anni
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks a lot Annie. It was a big challenge for me, but I was very happy with the result.
Kim Soltes
Wonderful work!!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks so much Kimber.
Siamesecat
Exellent painting, I saw that film The Other Boylen Girl, loved it..
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks again. I still haven’t seen it yet. I will need to get it soon.
aglaia b
this is so incredible robert. ;-) xox
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Aglaia
Nurhilal Harsa
I love it so much, it is very good..
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Nurhilal.
linda858100
lovely,
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Linda
genevievem
great work and loved seeing all the stages! thanks for putting them up!
Robert O'Neill replied
And thanks for the view.
Vivmeister
Lovely, kinda scarily, bizarreo though, your work always contains a much more intense vision than the original, the works are no longer just looking at you, their accusing!
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Viv for the view. I must have a guilty conscience—perhaps that’s why they’re accusing
Patricia Anne ...
Scott d'Almeida
master of art;
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Scott. Fantastic comment.
Rob
Linda Callaghan
wow her eyes are amazing and it is great to see the works in progress….what a talent! one thing I am afraid of portraits but I should give it a go one day…...
DalunE Khoang
Wow!Great work.I really like that you showed the step process of the painting.
Robert O'Neill replied
Thanks Dalune. I wished to show some of the technique I was trying to develop—maybe get feedback.
What techniques do you use?