DONE!
 

63 hours later...

Head close-up

Hand close-up.

Again I post this one rotated to maximize viewing.

Wonderful
 

As I observe the delicate changes and adjustments you've made I must assume that you are really very capable (referring to method). The head has retained a loose freshness that is remarkable. He is one very handsome man too. Better get 4 x 5's shot of this! You'll want to keep good records. What's next?

Next...
 

Next is composition.

I need to work on creating fields in which multiple elements interact harmoniously while promoting the messages of the painting. In this picture composition was not an issue. I could only tackle the treatment of the skin and the clothing - and THAT was quite plenty for me.

Now I'm going to need traction on all wheels as I shift to the task of painting Portraits, of which rendering faces and wrinkles is but a small part.

That is where things get interesting, isn't it?

I have added larger images of this painting to my site. Please click here to see them.

Oh my gosh, the eyes emerged so beautifully!

I'm going back to look - and learn - again!

I am pleeeeased to report that this painting was accepted in the San Diego Art Institute International Award Exhibition. ;)

Congratulations!
 

A much deserved honor!

Artist's Magazine Competition
 

I am now even more pleeeeased to report that this painting got third place in the Portraits' category of the Artist's Magazine juried competition.

John Howard Sanden was the juror in charge of selecting the portrait winners.

Winners will be published in the December issue of the Artist's Magazine.

Congratulations! I look forward to getting my copy!

Deladier,

You are knee deep in awards these days! They are well-deserved, and congratulations.

Best wishes,
Linda

Max Mack Portrait
 

Deladier,

Congratulations on the success of your painting. I am interested to know how you arrived at your initial drawing on the 30" x 40" canvas? I did not see any measurements lines.

Also, how did you learn to paint so well in only one year? What is your background and what have you been doing to have come so far so fast?

Thanks,
Mark Lovett

Hi, Mark.

I transferred the composition to the large canvas with a grid (I placed faint grid lines in pencil on the canvas and drew the outlines of the masses). Since I had painted a study first, I had been able to resolve the composition before I even started with the final painting.

Regarding my background, I studied architecture and art. I have been working very hard these last two years. I go to live model sessions 3 times a week and I paint every day. If I keep this up, by my calculations I should get pretty good in about 15 to 20 years.