A Washington D.C. Commission
 

Here's a recent commission. Its oil on linen 32"x44". We haven't had the unveiling yet so I'll keep his identity private for the time being. Steve

Beautiful job, Steve!

Nice work, Steve!
I like the clever composition and value massing which direct the eyes immediately to the head. Beautifully painted.

Steve,

Wow, the simplicity of this portrait is so striking. Like Marina I admire how you used the value massing to frame his head and white hair. I'm also admiring the change in temperature and value of the shadows between the balustrade elements. And I love how you painted the pinstriped shirt collar--not fussy at all, and it looks so clean and refreshing to wear on a warm day.

Can you post some closeups of the hands?

Thanks Tom, Marina, and Alex.
It was a nice location. All natural light, soft shadows. I liked the Italianate features. I had a bit of fun with the dappled light.
Alex, I try my best not to fuss. All too often its gets the best of me though. Here are photos of the hands. Steve

Nice fluid brushstokes. Thanks for posting these.

Steve,

This is an amazing, luminous portrait. Congratulations! Your expertise in value management has captivated me. Your solution is so elegant and deceptively simple. I am studying how you have his white hair glowing into the surrrounding foliage. That is so effective. I second Tom, Marina, and Alex's words and praise!

Garth

Thanks Garth. Coming from the master of values that's quite a compliment. Funny that you picked up on the white hair. I think I had more fun with that area than any other part.

Steve

Oh, my. Simply terrific. Steve, a beautiful composition of values and colors. Keep us posted:)

This is a beautiful portrait. I love the simplicity and the color harmony and the angle that we are looking at the subject as well. Amazing execution. Thank you for sharing this.

Dianne

Steve, thanks for posting this, there's a lot ot be learned.
I like the halo effect of his white hair, it gives him even more dignity and authority. The handling is also very effective
Ilaria

His eyes are just talking through your brush.
Congratulations Steve, I definitely admire your work.

Thanks for posting this. It's nice to see an outdoor executive portrait for a change. This is very fresh looking.

As Garth wrote: That was the first thing that caught my attention, too!

I also enjoy looking at your very sculptural brushwork. It has the freshness and confidence that also comes through in your studies.

Thanks everyone.
Originally, when he came to my studio and posed and I had envisioned a somewhat traditional portrait with a dark background. Turned out he and his wife were thinking more of a lighter airier portrait. I decided to go to his organization's headquarters in Washington and found there a wonderful courtyard with really nice soft light. That's where we did the posing for the portrait. I always try to keep an open mind. Sometimes, my sitters have really good ideas.

Steve