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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The Presumptuous Portrait Painter

Playing with the blues

Reference photo
I was playing with the blues and a few other color values-- the background and the darkest skin tone on the left (right) side of his face, but I didn't intend to.  When I got up this morning, I planned on painting his shorts, but once in the studio, framing his head with the right values, the unorthodox lighting of the reference photo,seemed to be more important.

The whole project makes me nervous.  I really think I have a lot of nerve trying to paint this portrait as my second serious attempt.  Sure, I've done a few small heads over the last year-- for fun--to see if I like portraiture--but  the size of this canvas (18 x 24) and the three quarter clothed figure makes this project a tad more serious and me very presumptuous for a young portrait painter just starting out. (It's great to be young at something).


23 comments:

  1. Io lo trovo perfetto,è molto bello e dinamico,hai fatto un ottimo lavoro! Complimenti!!!
    Ciao,un abbraccio!

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    1. Franz so kindly said: I find it perfect, it is very nice and dynamic, you did a great job! Congratulations!
      Hello, a hug!

      I replied: Perfect? No. A good start yes. But thank you for your very kind words Franz. Hugs back at you. God knows we artists need hugs.

      Perfetto? No. Un buon inizio di sì. Ma grazie per il vostro molto gentili parole Franz. Abbracci torna a voi. Dio sa che noi artisti hanno bisogno di abbracci.

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  2. Well, I am no expert, but it looks like you are on the right track. The danger is to over think and doubt oneself, happens to me frequently. Stop that and go with the flow..... happy painting.

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    1. And here's where the track could end as soon as I wipe in his shorts and the other forms that make this boy this boy. Then there's the problem of edges soft on the right, a little harder on the left--backlighting seems to impart a subtle halo around the subject. --and then there's his features, which I thick I'll keep suggestive rather than definitive. But who knows, each new session brings new responses. --My whole life I've been trying to go with the flow. It's not easy.

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  3. This portrait is great! I love the composition too! I agree with Roger.....don't doubt yourself, get in there and paint!

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    1. The composition was a breeze. It happened in the camera where my photographic training took over. The poor lighting happened there too. There was no time to fool around with camera setting. This was a shot that called for an immediate snap. --When does an artist ever stop doubting themselves? We can't. We're forever reaching, stretching for improvement. It's the clothes that worries me. All the life drawing models were naked.

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  4. This is coming along so beautifully, Linda! The folds in the material is perfectly painted....wonderful colors..
    After seeing the reference picture you should be very proud of yourself!!

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    1. I'm lightening up on the reference photo, which is way too dark--even when I computer increase the exposure. The colors of the photo are fine with me with the exception of the brown fencing that holds his arm to the surroundings. I've decided to fog that out with a violetish hue, which will be incorporated into his skin tones. --That's what I say here. In the studio, intuition takes over and thinking is left at the door. Thank you. I am proud of myself, I just not sure how far my abilities can take me.

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  5. I can see why you like this image so much--he is so charming ....pointing at himself. The photo is a great choice and I know you are going to do a wonderful job of it. I've seen your other work! It will be fun to watch the progress steps. Relax--you've got what it takes. :)

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    1. Well aside from being a loving, proud grandparent of this kid, I adore the boy's--all boys--bravado. Inside, I know they have as many doubts and fears as the rest of us, but youngsters dismiss it so sweetly and with gusto. I admire that in kids. I hope they carry it with them their whole lives. That's the real subject of this painting.

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  6. Don't be daunted. This is a fabulous pic and not beyond your capabilities. Take your time and enjoy! So far, the painting too, is fabulous. Stop with the analysing and get on with it!

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    1. Okay Sharon. When I screw it up by overdoing, it's your fault. Aye there's my fear here. Write enough, you're going to learn a lot about yourself and how you tick. I am presumptuous, you could ask anybody. I tell you no lies.
      :-)))

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  7. Hi Linda,
    I admire you for taking on this challenging project. You've got more guts than me! I understand your strong desire to paint it, especially knowing him so well and seeing so much in his pose. Because of your strong motivation, I know you'll get it done and done well.
    I'm eager to see the finished product. Your strong determination will carry the day.
    Have a good day tomorrow!
    Sincerely,
    Gary.

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    1. Hey you pineapple loving, ecstatic new Hawaiian resident! You did a few self portraits that were more than a bust. You are fastidious in your process. I should come as close to your level. That's my goal. It won't be with this one--but maybe the next?

      You have another good day in Paradise too. I do hope you collect Buffet. His music makes for very happy painting--and cocktail hour. :-))

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  8. It looks great to me. Are you trying to reproduce the photo exactly? If not, what you have done so far is magnificent, and it tells us something about how you see his personality. Looking forward to the finished product.

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    1. Thanks JJ. No. The photograph is poor, just a jumping off spot. The painting will be as good as I can do now. :-))

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  9. Ik vind dat je goed geslaagd bent ziet er heel mooi uit lieve groetjes Danielle

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  10. Hello Linda!
    So nice to see the progression of this wonderful piece!
    I love your art work and your written entries as well!
    I think this portrait is well done! Very well done! Exceptionally well done!
    Keep on keeping on!
    You have discipline, great skills and a wonderful sense of humor! Bravo to you my artist buddy!
    Michael

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    1. I can't decide if showing a work in progress is a good thing? With portraiture though, I think one must, or reduce posting frequency. If one wanted to paint all day long, one could post daily, but I have other interests. Plus: I am a strong believer in that all (day) work and no play, does make Jill a dull gal. I do need to step away for air. Nonetheless, I'll keep on trucking. JD will get all the attention he needs to look like a real boy, an hour or two at a session.

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  11. I say full steam ahead, Linda!

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  12. Hi Linda. It`s me again, vic. All your latest work is fantastic. I`m still not receiving your latest via email. The only way I can see your latest postings, is through other bloggers blogs. I see it as one of the mysteries of life. any ideas why I`m not receiving your work my friend? all the best Linda.
    Vic.

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