Objective Figure – Portrait painting in flats
January 24th, 2009
Lyle. 32 x 38 inches, oil on board. ©2008 Deidre Adams.
After abstraction, we returned to representation — specifically, portraiture. We had a random drawing of names in which we each chose a fellow classmate for our portrait subjects. We were to take several photographs of our victim, using lighting that emphasized a contrast of light and dark shading to create visual interest. Again, sketches were required to refine plans for composition and tonal values before starting on the final painting.
We were limited to a palette of mostly earth colors plus ultramarine blue and cadmium red or orange, plus white, of course. The color was to be fairly close to nature, but pushed a bit. The twist for this painting was that the entire thing had to be done with large flat brushes, no rounds. There was another requirement: We had to premix all colors and shades to be used on the palette — little or no blending was to be done on the canvas. I found this to be extremely difficult and tedious, as I much prefer mushing stuff around on the painting itself. However, although it was frustrating to work this way, I have to admit it resulted in a much more interesting and dynamic mix of color. I really love the effect of the rough transitions of color and value.
I think I learned more from this painting than from any other assignment that semester. (Especially since I know I’m bad at doing people and try to avoid it whenever possible.) The finished painting doesn’t look very much like Lyle, both due to my painting skills and also since he’s usually smiling and rarely this serious, but you wouldn’t know that if you didn’t have this photo for comparison.
January 24th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I think you did a good job, especially since you had such limitations on brush techniques and pallet mixings. I really like the purple shadows. Seems like pushing your comfort zone is working very well for you!
In answer to your question about my baskets, I machine stitched them together with a wide zig zag. stitch.
January 30th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
He looks like George Bernard Shaw with a nose ring!
January 30th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
What a great painting — it’s clear that the painter sees depth in the subject, and feels affection for him.
Where are you taking this class? It sounds good – challenging and with lots of specificity.
February 6th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Wow you’ve been busy. And after seeing all your abstract and photography work was surprised to see how great you are at realism. You’re a multi-talented super woman!
Remember one of my painting classes when I decided to only paint with one flat brush for a whole series as a personal challenge. I learned a lot from that exercise.