As some of you may know, I have just begun participating in an artist challenge group called The Flying Moleskins. Thirteen artists will be playing "pass the sketchbook (or moleskin as they are called)" through the postal service, each of us painting or sketching according to whatever theme was requested by the original owner. For my own book's first entry I painted my husband Richard from a photo. It was done in just a few hours in acrylic so that it would be dry in time to mail and it is smaller than I'd prefer so I really think of it as just a study. He and I have been together for over 30 years and I've never painted him before -- ??? Well, for one thing, it's really hard to get him to "strike a pose" and be still. I look forward to doing a larger version in oil that really catches his essence. This one does come close I think but I believe I can do better.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Portrait of Richard Olsen, 8 x 5 study
As some of you may know, I have just begun participating in an artist challenge group called The Flying Moleskins. Thirteen artists will be playing "pass the sketchbook (or moleskin as they are called)" through the postal service, each of us painting or sketching according to whatever theme was requested by the original owner. For my own book's first entry I painted my husband Richard from a photo. It was done in just a few hours in acrylic so that it would be dry in time to mail and it is smaller than I'd prefer so I really think of it as just a study. He and I have been together for over 30 years and I've never painted him before -- ??? Well, for one thing, it's really hard to get him to "strike a pose" and be still. I look forward to doing a larger version in oil that really catches his essence. This one does come close I think but I believe I can do better.
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19 comments:
Camille, This piece is so lovely full of spontaneity but with your talent a bigger and better in oil will be fabulous. I am so looking forward to seeing it. BTW you are both to be congratulated for having a rock solid marriage that has endure time. It is so rare these days. BRAVO
Camille, I have your moleskine right here beside me...WOW, WOW, WOW! It's totally one thing to look at art online, another to see it hanging in a show, but to hold it in my hand and study every single little part of it is the most amazing thing. I can't wait for the entire group to see your beautiful portrait in person, I'm grinning from ear to ear because I get to see it first!
Ok, now help me out here...I have the exact same book you have, any hints on applying the gesso to the sketchbook paper? For some reason, I did not think gesso would work on this type of paper, but I see it works just fine! I can check back here for your suggestion or you can e-mail if you would like.
Camille, now you must count me as your personal #1 fan, can we talk sometime... I'd love to visit with you about a commission or a trade, if that appeals to you!
Dominique, thank you so much!
Angela, I'm thrilled you like it that much more in person! As far as the gesso I just used a 2 1/2 inch wall-painting brush, 2 coats. It looks like I should have tried sanding it to get those lines off. And I would love to talk about those things with you soon; I'm sure we'll all be talking a lot on the flying moleskin blog, too :). I look forward to painting in your book and seeing your painting when it comes around to me!
Wow, Camille, your painting has just taken off! This is an engaging portrait; you've captured an expression in which the subject seems to be interacting with the viewer and the colors! Just great!...he was a cooperative model!I will check out your site.
I love this portrait. You've raised the bar for all of us, Camille, truly. Fantastic work.
Nice portrait! I like the idea of a pass the sketchbook project. Good luck to all involved.
Sorry to see DSfDF go on hiatus, but I'm taking an independent studio class for a couple of months and have committed my self to a painting a day, so I'm a bit busy!
You displayed a nice soft facial expression. Good job!
Have you an idea why I see vertical stripes on the picture?
Thanks again, everybody.
Annie, I used gesso (that's what we call it here but you may have a different name for it there) on paper as a base coating for the acrylic paint, and I probably shoud have sanded it for a smooth surface. So you are seeing those gesso paintbrush lines. That's another reason I want to do it again in oil on a larger, smooth surface. Thanks for asking!
Such a kind face. I know you and many of the dsfdf gang are busy with life and the flying moleskins but I've started a new artist challenge blog. It's in the early stages and I'm still thinking about how to improve it. You are welcome to come on over and check it out. You'll see the link on the upper right corner of my original blog.
Terrific Portrait! Love all the colors and the quickness. Hey...I'm glad you didn't sand. Like the way it looks. Opened up to the larger version and marveled at your style!
Rockin!
It's a great portrait..I hope you'll do another if you are so inclined. Doing lots of portraits of the same person is actually a great thing to do. I've heard. lol. You did very well here. Exceptional.
A gorgeous painting with a really big presence, Camille. A handsome husband you have here too (reminds me a wee bit of Jack Lemmon). Can't wait to see what is next!
Great job on his portrait, Camille! Love the creative, energizing, colors! I also like the gesso lines.
Thanks, guys! I have a couple of new ones almost ready to post. I appreciate your kind words! Stay warm...
Love this one! Daddy looks adorabobble.
Madeline
Thank you, Madeline! I treasure your input.
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