Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Different Folks Portrait


8" x 10" Oil on mounted linen.

Well, the 12 days of Christmas are over, so time to post my assignment for Different Strokes. I would not call myself a portrait artist, so this really was a challenge. Did I get the likeness? Are the colors okay? Did I make her look too fat or too thin? What's "wrong with the mouth"?

Another great quote from Sargent sums up my feelings, "Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend." It's probably just some healthy self-doubt.

I did take a peek at what Sheila did with my photo. She got the likeness. (I think I have had enough of that snow now.) Of course, she has some more experience with faces. Check out her blog post with my portrait.

So, this is my part of the "group self portrait".

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Now I have a name for the handsome face I spent a week with! I love my portrait. You captured me and my spirit. I don't think I captured the light within you as well as I should and maybe I'll "tweak" it a bit if you want to make a trade. (I do...) Blessings to you James!

Unknown said...

PS. It's not your painting it's my mouth. And you've gained a friend with this portrait.
:o)

Edward Burton said...

Really nice job, James! You captured her. Well done.

Vern Schwarz said...

Hey James, this is a vibrant painting and Sheila"s spirit does come through. I think you did a great job.

James said...

Thanks for all of your kind comments. I guess we need to arrange the exchange after drying time.