Blue eyed Girl

Susan van Zyl

Blue eyed Girl

I love doing portraitures. This was my first time I did an oil painting and I thought it came out well. It took me 2 weeks to do this as I had to allow for drying time.
I normally do pencil, acrylic and pastel portraitures, but felt that the oils were very satisfying as it allows for retouching and revisiting the subject

Oils on Canvas

Blue eyed Girl belongs to the following groups:

1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture , * Painted Ladies *, ! HAIRSTYLES !, "Real" Life Artwork (No Photography), All Around the Styles, Art At Its Best!! - No photography, Art By Bubble Hosts , Art Up Close, Descriptions, Everyday Women, Fine Arts, Freedom to Shine, Friends of RedBubble, Lips, Live, Love, Dream: , Painters In Modern Times - TWO PER DAY, Realist Traditional Art, Safe Haven, Shameless Self-Promotion, South Africa - Rainbow Nation, Strictly Human Faces , The Eyes Have It, THE SISTERHOOD, Who are YOU to Judge?, Woman Appreciation and ♫.•°°African Art At heART°°•.♫ - 3/day - NO photography/digital artworks Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints

Blue eyed Girl by Susan van Zyl
Blue eyed Girl by Susan van Zyl
  • Glen Allen

    Glen Allen

    v good.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Glen, thanx for commenting!

  • liliana

    liliana

    Great work Susan! Beautiful portrait.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Liliana! So glad you stopped by! Thank you for your kind comment

  • ToastedGhost

    ToastedGhost

    WOW for a first that amazing!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a bunch! I love oils, but unfortunately it is not for instant art. Acrylic is more my thing. Thank you again!

  • Mariaan Krog Art Portfolio

    Mariaan Krog A...

    Unbelievable artwork! Love it.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Mariaan! Nice to have you around here! Thanx for the kind comment. Let me know how the competition is going. Hold my thumbs for you!

  • Daveart

    Daveart

    Excellent painting beautiful skin tones well proportioned image well done

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Dave! Thank you ever so much for your comment. Glad you stopped by

  • Bonnie T.  Barry

    Bonnie T. Barry

    I think the makers of Barbie dolls would love this image! It’s GORGEOUS! Really reminds me of the classic Barbie.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Bonnie! What a great compliment you just gave me! Thanx for looking and thanx for the compliment. You are a doll, no pun intended :-)

  • TFFDavid

    TFFDavid

    Yes it did, it came out very well.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi David! I appreciate you visiting and commenting on my art. Thanx!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi David! Thanx for popping in and commenting on my art!

  • kjgordon

    kjgordon

    wonderful painting….better than a photo…so real….

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Aloha! You made my day! Thanx for the comments and wonderful compliment.

  • Rosina  Lamberti

    Rosina Lamberti

    Great work Susan

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Rosina! Thank you for popping in! Thanx for commenting on my art too

  • Susan van Zyl

    Susan van Zyl

    Hi Rosina! Thank you for popping in! Thanx for commenting on my art too

  • Irene  Burdell

    Irene Burdell

    Really beautiful artwork .

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thank you again Irene! Much appreciated

  • Jason Connolly

    Jason Connolly

    Very talented work Susan, you’ve done a beautifil job here…
    I’m good at drawing stick men if that’s comparible hehe..

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Jason! Thank you so much for your kind comments! Stick men are good, it sometimes says more than a detailed painting!
    Like this could mean a butterfly })i({
    or a shark attack _/\\o/_
    See what I mean?
    Anyway, so glad you popped in!

  • lianne

    lianne

    Susan – this is so very beautiful! I can’t believe it was your first oil painting – it’s magnificent! I see talent is a real family trait! Phenomenally good work!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    HI Lianne! You are so kind with the nice compliments! Have to say we do have a lot of creative people in the family ;-)
    So happy you stopped by!

  • Teresa Dominici

    Teresa Dominici

    Fabulous portrait Susan.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Teresa! Much appreciated! Thanx for stopping by and having a look

  • Mark Peterson

    Mark Peterson

    Beautiful work! very nice!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Mark! Thanx for visiting! Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my art, much appreciated

  • AtaAlishahi

    AtaAlishahi

    beautiful :)

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Ata, thank you for your kind comment! Glad you stopped by

  • gillsart

    gillsart

    Beautiful subject .. and artwork …eyes are really good

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Gillian! So glad you stopped by. Thank you for your kind comment. Much appreciated!

  • Mariaan Krog Art Portfolio

    Mariaan Krog A...

    I’m so glad you added it to the challenge Susan. It looks great amongst the others! Good luck with it!

  • Martin Kirkwood

    Martin Kirkwood

    Great work for a first ever oil portrait. I’ll look forard to seeing more.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Martin! Oils are intimidating I must say! I love doing acrylics, but the oils do give you a more satisfying overall feeling once done!
    Thanx for visiting!

  • Arie van der Wijst

    Arie van der W...

    Wow Susan…you did a marvellous job with this portrait! Wonderful tones and colours; vivid eyes and lips!!! Gorgeous painting.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    HI Arie! Thanx a million for the kind comment!
    Ik had in Nederland mijn eerste schilderij uitprobeert en zie daar! Voor het eerst daar ontdekte dat ik mischien een “talent” zou hebben!
    Thanx for visiting and commenting!

  • photosbylefty

    photosbylefty

    Susan, this is one of the most beautiful paintings I have seen, what a talent you have. You took a lovely model and made her even more lovely!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Ahhhh John, what a compliment! You made my day! Thanx a stack! Now see what you did, I have to go get my head out of the clouds now! :-)

    Thanx for the most lovely compliment!

  • coolart

    coolart

    Very beautiful, well done you got it so perfect in every sense

  • WesternDreamer

    WesternDreamer

    A very beautiful creation… love the tones, and your model is stunning too! Mariaan suggested popping over to take a peek at your work… and I’m glad she did! ;~)

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi WesternDreamer! So glad you did too! Thank you for your kind comment! Much appreciated!

  • Phil Threlfall

    Phil Threlfall

    How sweet she is

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Phil, she is, isn’t she. Great to have good reverences to work from. Thanx for taking the time…...

  • Roger Sampson

    Roger Sampson

    WOW Susan!!! The first thing that I noticed is that you painted emotion in this portrait. There is a “look” in her face, her eyes – a glimmer! The tilt of the head – everything! This is very, very good – pleasing to my eyes!

    Rog

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Awwww Roger! You need to come visit me every day! With feedback like that I can paint the world! Thanx a million for your feedback and time spend here! Much appreciated

  • ElYPares

    ElYPares

    Wow!!! A true gift for making portraits. God Bless your talent—Susan.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much! I am really glad you think so! I am very blessed to be able to be creative on paper and canvas, you are right. I love doing it. Thanx a stack for your kind comments

  • Olitto

    Olitto

    I like my coffee too! And I like all of your art. Blue eyed Girl is indeed a perfect work of art.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much Olitto! SO glad to meet another South African here on RB! Glad you share my passion for coffee. Thanx for the wonderful comment! Pop in again!

  • cynthiab

    cynthiab

    very beautiful art work

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Cynthia! Much appreciated! Thanx you very much for taking the time to view my art and commenting on it.

  • cherokee

    cherokee

    Hallo, beautiful portrait:)

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Jo! Glad you popped in! Thanx a stack!

  • Susan van Zyl
  • shanmclean

    shanmclean

    amazing work!!!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Shannon! So glad you popped in! Thanx a stack for you comment! Much appreciated!

  • Geir Floede

    Geir Floede

    So very beautiful and classic.
    I like this.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a lot, Geir! Glad you like it, also very glad you popped in…....
    Thanx for commenting on my artwork, I appreciate it

  • bfrida

    bfrida

    comes up beautifully online

    congratulations

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi bfrida! So glad you stopped by! Thanx for your kind comment, good to hear stuff like that, thanx again!

  • Hidemi Tada

    Hidemi Tada

    is this first oil painting of portraiture? Incrediblly nice! you are a really talented artsit!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Hidemi! Yes, first, always were very scared to try oils. Did not understand the procedure. Then one day I just decided, today I am going to tackle it. I am glad I did. It was very rewarding. Thanx million for your kind comment! I appreciate it tremendously.

  • Valerie Simms

    Valerie Simms

    Beautiful eyes! they glisten :)

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Valerie! So glad you stopped by! Thanx for the lovely comment. I love doing eyes. Always make them bigger than they should be, but I then I always had something for eyes and lips! Thanx for visiting

  • Barry W  King

    Barry W King

    fantastic work !

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much Barry. I appreciate you taking the time to comment! Thanx a stack for the favourites, I am honoured!

  • Nira Dabush

    Nira Dabush

    JUST FANTASTIC, SUSAN… SHE LOOK A LOT LIKE YOU ARE.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Ahhh thanx a stack Nira! Nice compliment, I take it with both arms! Blessings!
    O
    I
    J\

  • Susan van Zyl

    Susan van Zyl

    was suppose to be a stick man with arms wide open, Nira, but it didn’t work,
    Thanx again!

  • Nuh Sarche
  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Danke! Thanx Monika! I really appreciate you visiting my art and commenting on it!

  • rightasrain

    rightasrain

    Lovely painting,Susan! I love the skin blending. Painting sure is addictive :-)

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx for your kind comment, so glad you stopped by Hillie. I love the bold colours you have in your art and most of your photographs. Lovely
    As to the addictive side, for me it is an equal thing between coffee and painting! ;-)

  • rightasrain

    rightasrain

    Lol for me it’s tea ;-) So glad you enjoy my art, Susan. I’m actually surprised at the bold colours because I’m always drawn to darker more moody stuff. Just had another look at this one of yours – the eyes are truly amazing – so liquid. It’s wonderful when something like that comes together.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a stack Hillie, I do have a thing for lips and eyes. Thanx for your lovely and kind comments about my art, makes me want to grab the brush, but for now I think… first coffee as it is very cold here today. So glad you stopped by, have a great and creative day today!

  • rightasrain

    rightasrain

    You’re having a cold winter too? So are we. All the best Susan. Have a great day :-)

  • Thomas Pettit

    Thomas Pettit

    Yes, you are right, it did come out well! Great job, beautiful work!!!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Thomas! Thanx a bunch for the kind comment! So glad you stopped by and had a look at my art work. Much appreciated! PS: Loved your daughter’s art work.

  • PPPhotoArt

    PPPhotoArt

    my word this is an amazing painting and what a gorgeous subject!!! beautiful job!!! P

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much for your very kind comment. So happy you stopped by and took the time to have a look. Thanx again!

  • George  Link

    George Link

    Very special….wonder-full!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a stack George! So glad you stopped by! I Appreciate your kind comment

  • Jenifer

    Jenifer

    She is so beautiful and so is your work.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Jenifer! Thanx so much! Thanx for looking and taking the time to comment! Glad you did!

  • Antanas

    Antanas

    Beautiful work

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Ananas! Much appreciated!!!

  • xJoEyXCoSx

    xJoEyXCoSx

    First time with oils and it came out fantastic!!! well done!! Iv never painted in oils before but i may start now and give it a try!! this is fantastic good job!!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much! I find oils a bit intimidating as I never had proper training on it, but it is a very satisfying medium to work with. I just love your style icon 2!!!! Great job!!!

  • Avril Brand

    Avril Brand

    This is beautiful, Susan. And good on you for using oils! My favourite medium. Great work, Susan.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Avril! So glad you stopped by! Still find oils intimidating, but if you do not try/do you will never get over any obstacles. Thanx so much for your kind comment!

  • amarica

    amarica

    Susan, this is beautiful. It reminds me of the art of the 50’s, clean and pure. Love it.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Amarica! Thanx so much! Glad you stopped by and took the time to look and comment on my art, much appreciated

  • izzymary2

    izzymary2

    You do fabulous work a very talented artist

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi izzymary! Thanx a million for your kind comment and compliment! Thank you for looking and for commenting!

  • Van Cordle

    Van Cordle

    Fantastic job on this-beautiful!!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much! Glad you like it!

  • BLYTHART

    BLYTHART

    Wow …. those eyes draw the viewer into the picture!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi there! Thanx for the favourite and adding me to you watch list! I am honoured
    Thanx for taking the time to look at my art

  • screamqueen

    screamqueen

    gorgous, so life like!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thank you very much Shannon! I am so happy you stopped by…....thanx for the comment

  • Douzy

    Douzy

    This is so lovely. Great job!!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx Marie-Edith! So glad you stopped by.

  • Gary Murison

    Gary Murison

    WOW, this is absolutely stunning Susan. Such a pretty face, painted with great skill.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a stack Gary! For the kind comment and the favourite! Much appreciated!!!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a stack Gary! For the kind comment and the favourite! Much appreciated!!!

  • George Lenz

    George Lenz

    your attention to detail makes this very appealing to look at….

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi there George! Thanx a stack for your very kind comment. Glad you stopped by

  • ienemien

    ienemien

    This is a very wonderful painting, the face is so lovely and the eyes…beautiful…you have talent!! Bye…ien :-)

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Oh thanx a stack, Ien! Thanx for the very kind comment! So glad you stopped by!

  • nazboo

    nazboo

    wonderful

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a stack Naz! So glad you stopped by!

  • Romo

    Romo

    Beautiful Painting:)

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a bunch Robin! Much appreciated!

  • funkyfacestudio

    funkyfacestudio

    Beautiful painting, I love using oils but yes the drying time takes patience…..........

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Lisa! Thanx a stack! So glad you stopped by!!!!

  • claudiu

    claudiu

    Beautiful beautiful beautiful!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! you make my day!!!!! Thanx ever so much for the kind comments and the favouriting of my art. Thanx for stopping by!

  • RedHillDigital

    RedHillDigital

    Beautiful subject & artwork, well done Susan

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much Howard! Much appreciated!

  • SylviaHardy

    SylviaHardy

    I used to draw faces as a kid all the time! This is certainly a beautiful painting!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a stack Sylvia! I just loved doing this one. Thanx a mil for your kind comments!

  • Kimberley Davitt

    Kimberley Davitt

    This is stunning work

    well done

  • HanLoosschilder

    HanLoosschilder

    I adore this! It’s by far one of my favourite paintings on redbubble.
    Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us :)

  • JSDaniel

    JSDaniel

    Wow! very pretty. Love the eyes.

  • KcranmerArt

    KcranmerArt

    Hey Susan…...Birgitta and I created a new group titled Lips and would love to see your image there! It’s a BRAND NEW group…but if we can get enough members and images uploaded…than down the road we can have lots of fun with features, group challenges, etc. Don’t feel obligated of course…but if your interested here is the link…

    Lips

  • karenuk1969

    karenuk1969

    Stunningly beautiful work :-)

  • NicoleH

    NicoleH

    Beautifully done! She looks like a living doll! You really captured something of her essence.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi Nicole! Thanx a stack! So glad you stopped by, thanx for the lovely comments

  • Heavenandus777
  • Ulrikeart

    Ulrikeart

    absolutely gorgious, beautiful image…........

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much! I appreiate the comment and time, thanx for the visit!

  • cdcantrell

    cdcantrell

    Susan beautiful work I her eyes very pretty

  • Mariaan Krog Art Portfolio

    Mariaan Krog A...

    6 March 2009

  • Catherine  Howell

    Catherine Howell

    Wow, Susan!! Your first oil painting??? Fabulous job:)

  • Casey Herman

    Casey Herman

    Well, no wonder it took so long to scroll down here … so many comments and features, too!! Congrats, Susan! And as for time … I wonder how you’d like using digital paint? Where you can dry oils immediately, or keep watercolours wet for as long as you like and never need to spend a minute cleaning brushes. Scuse me, just a thought. Your talent would shine through using a house paint brush, I’d reckon!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much again, Casey. I was an IT teacher for the little ones, but am clueless on art programmes on the computer. I see you are using Painter 9. Is it user friendly? Does it take forever to get the hang of it? Are there other programmes I can also use for “painting”?
    I thank you for your lovely comments and compliments! Made me walk on cloud 9! I appreciate it very much.

  • Casey Herman

    Casey Herman

    Well, Susan, you’d be more than comfortable with Painter … and would probably be eligible for the academic version at a guess? I dunno, all I know about “REAL” paint brushes (and I use them constantly for metal and plaster) is that it’s just soooooooo much easier, if you print them on canvas or foam core or even paper! Give it a go! I’d reckon you’d love it!

  • John44

    John44

    Goeie dag Susan.. hier een Dutchman die es langs kom kuier om te seh .. dit is regtig baie mooi/skoon
    (Hope my Zuid Afrikaans is ok..) :-)
    Groete
    John

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Ik kon het wel goed begrijpen, John! Afrikaans is niet zo ver van Nederlands verwijderd! Bedankt voor de leuke boodschapje, kom alstublief weer eens langs :)
    In Afrikaans:
    Ek kon alles goed verstaan, John! Afrikaans is vreeslik na aan Nederlands taalgewys. Baie dankie vir die oulike kommentaar, kom gerus weereens hier langs :
    )

  • pilanehimself

    pilanehimself

    Beautiful work Susan, beautiful lips and them eyes!

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx a bunch Percy! You made my day!

  • TheBlindHog

    TheBlindHog

    A beautiful portrait, Susan. You’re work is quickened by that spark of humanity that is lacking in so many portraits. In this one I see the beauty, of course, but I also sense an intelligent and well-formed sense of humor.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    I am thankful for this awesome compliment you gave me! So glad you stopped by and your kind comment is appreciated very much.
    I love doing eyes and lips and with this particular portrait I had so much fun doing it. It was my first oil and I got hooked on oils after that

  • Carlie Hensley

    Carlie Hensley

    This is Absolutely Beautiful! You are truly talented, awesome work!

  • Julialala

    Julialala

    love it!!

  • webbie

    webbie

    She is beautiful …:) hugz

  • Mui-Ling Teh

    Mui-Ling Teh

    Beautiful painting!

  • Donovyn
  • elenaoleniuc

    elenaoleniuc

    So beautiful work, love it very much !

  • Les Smutz

    Les Smutz

    This is an exquisite portrait, I love the happiness it exudes! Very well done for a first oil.
    From a fellow coffee-lover!

  • Gili Orr

    Gili Orr

    beautiful painting of a beautiful woman;-)

  • Tom Godfrey

    Tom Godfrey

    Excellent for a first or last :) natural talent you are

  • nishagandhi

    nishagandhi

    awesome

  • Constance Widen

    Constance Widen

    This is really beautiful Susan, you have captured more than a pretty face with this painting :-)

  • 3XEternity
  • Lesley Ritchie

    Lesley Ritchie

    Love your eyes

  • LYN EVANS

    LYN EVANS

    Beautiful artwork, you are so very talented.

  • Marilyns

    Marilyns

    i can feel how much you love portraiture ! your portraits are beautiful and soulful! this one in oil is magnificient ! i would like to paint with oils , i fear solvants though , maybe ill give a try to watersoluble oils -

  • Sena

    Sena

    She’s mesmerizing! Wonderful work – Kudos!

  • TREVOR IRWIN

    TREVOR IRWIN

    Susan, Today I have found your stunning art and I am so impressed I just had to say that this is so beautiful. Skin colour and tones are perfect. This really is outstanding. I love your art. God Bless you Susan.
    I invite all to Please drop in and visit my Charity website:
    http://www.philadelphia33.org/
    See all my art and video at:
    http://www.missionary.smugmug.com/

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Aww, Trevor! You would not know what you kind comment meant to me today! I am honoured that you are impressed and happy you stopped by and took the time to look. Thanx so much!
    Thanx too for the links to your websites and art website
    Blessings! Thanx for inspiring me again to grab the brushes, I needed that!

  • Michael Degenhardt

    Michael Degenh...

    Come out well? No, this is great! I cannot believe the talent that people have, this is a fine example of just that. Michael

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Thanx so much Michael! I think you are my new best friend after a kind comment like that!
    Thanx a stack. I loved doing this one. Where the brushes did not want to do what I wanted it to do, I used my fingers. Oils are so forgiving!

  • Lynda Robinson

    Lynda Robinson

    An excellent first portrait using oils. The eyes are particularly well done. You should be very happy with the outcome Susan.

  • Susan van Zyl replied

    Hi there Lynda! Thanx so much for commenting, This painting has done so much for me since I put it up on RB, sort of boost my “bubble” (pun intended) ;-) I have learned so much more and am so happy I painted her then. Love doing eyes, my favourite part of any portrait!

  • Lynda Robinson

    Lynda Robinson 27 days ago

  • Valentina Henao

    Valentina Henao 27 days ago

    beautiful portrait! Theres a real sparkle in her eyes-well done!=)

  • Susan van Zyl replied 25 days ago

    Thank you kindly, Valentina! Thanx for stopping by

  • Norval Arbogast

    Norval Arbogast 25 days ago

    Wonderful, especially the sparkle and life in the eyes. I just came from your interview with Viv and Cherie, excellent interview.

  • Susan van Zyl replied 25 days ago

    Thanx so much Norval! Happy you stopped by. Viv and Cherie are so talented, aren’t they? It was great fun getting to know them as artists!

  • Pat Yager

    Pat Yager 23 days ago

    This is EXCELLENT, Susan! And your first time with oils! I hope this is just the beginning of a long and successful career for you!

  • Elisabete Nascimento

    Elisabete Nasc... 15 days ago

    What beauty! I am mesmerised…

  • SandraRos

    SandraRos 13 days ago


    The guest host that featured your work this week was FlowersEtc
    LINK

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