Since returning from the Charles Reid workshop I've been pouring on the gas! I'm not suggesting what follows is good - just my modest efforts. I've been trying to put into practice certain things I picked up in Cornwall. None of it is really new as I've been on three previous workshops with him. My feeling this time is that I was better equipped to benefit from the lessons learned and - maybe, just maybe - I can move my painting up a notch or two over the next six months. We'll see.
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce 15" x 11" Fabriano Artistico Not 90lb (200gsm).
I'm none too happy with the resemblance to the real Joseph as it isn't quite right, so will be doing this one again and will post a fuller biography if I manage to achieve success.
Autmn fruits 16" x 12" Centenaire 140lb (300gsm) Not.
This was the subject at a recent AVA Thursday morning workshop. I took along the apples with leaves and added the gourds that another member of the group had brought. As you can see I've gone for a colourful representation and used some of the Daniel Smith and Graham colours.
Quinacridone Gold (PO49) from DS and Hookers Green (PG7/PY110) from Graham feature but there are others. I like these colours very much although how much longer Daniel Smith will be able to offer Quinacridone Gold remains to be seen with no manufacture of the pigment since 2001 ( according to Handprint). The Graham Hookers is the most natural version I have come across, very dark at full strength. Many Hookers tend to look artificial. Daniel Smith watercolours, if somewhat expensive, are available from Jacksons www.jacksonsart.co.uk/ and Ken Bromley www.artsupplies.co.uk/ One or two other retailers like Pegasus Art www.pegasusart.co.uk/ are also stocking at least part of this huge range.
Harvey 15" x 11" Fabriano Artistico 90lb (200gsm) Not.
Harvey is my eldest grandson aged 7. This is quite a good resemblance but I've overworked , especially around the eyes. I will have another shot at him soon.
Mackenzie aged 5 - 11.75" x 15.75" Vivace Not. 140lb (300gsm)
One departure with the latter paintings is the use of an Isabey Kolinsky sable Size 8 series 6228, the one with the black handle with green tip. I've had it a while and in size by size comparisons with Raphael and Da Vinci it was seen to be smaller - less hair in other words. Jacksons offer this brush at £25.90 while the comparable Raphael and Da Vinci are £31.90p and £28.15p respectively. I have quoted the Series 35 Da Vinci but the excellent Series 10 is only £24.15p. I was already a big fan of the Isabey retractable Series 6201 Size 6, very slim but quite small compared to others in this size, and this 6228 is superb. It is long and slim, holds a good charge of paint and releases beautifully, very controlled. It is early days yet but my first impressions are very positive.
11 comments:
I particularly like the portraits of the boys, you have caught a likeness in both cases. Just as well you got photographs, I can't imagine them sitting still for long enough. Obviously a productive period.
Yes, I was quite pleased with them Mick although in Harveys case I've noted I overworked. Really with little ones you have no choice because there's no way they'll sit for long periods.
I'm sure the portraits of your grandchildren will grow on you Peter, I think they are quite nice!
Thanks Hap. They aren`t bad but Harvey could be better - well both could be. I've other photos so will definately have another shot at both.
Nothing to say about Joseph then? Too light and pink? Oh dear (grin).
Well done Peter. You were very game to attempt a 1/4 sheet with a 5 y.o. I made an attempt last week of a 5y.o. but only on a 1/16 sheet. Charles always likes one eye to dominate and no one minds. If we try the same it looks like we are just lazy. Isn't it difficult when the little sitter wants to see how it is progressing after every brush stroke.
Welcome Ray. I paint my largest portraits on A3. 16" x 12" and 15" x 11" are the other sizes.To be honest I don't like painting small. With Charles,as you say,he does it in a certain way and his exact method is very hard to emulate.
I thought you'd pick right up on that Peter! (grin) You know my song about skin tone, but you need to paint to your satisfaction before anyone else's, and honestly I have no problem with that...I do agree though I don't think this is your greatest likeness on Chief Joeseph.
Have you seen any of Charles Reids Amerindian paintings Hap? I've looked at all the ones I can find and they don't look particularly dark as far as complexion is concerned. I'm not suggesting he's right and you're wrong, just that a painting is a painting and while I'll attempt to reduce (eliminate?) the `pinkness' I'm not getting in a tangle over it. So there (grin).
(grin) I'm not getting in a tangle over it either Peter. I like your style and flair with the brush and the hue is just a personal preference, you're entitled to choose when you're the brush wielder!
I'm having another attempt at Joseph Hap. Let's see how this one works out.
Great! thanks for the share!
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