[Enzie Shahmiri]

After a long abscence from the easel, I thought the best way to get back in "painting" mode, is to copy a master. I chose my favorite Jean Leone Gerome and did this portrait of his Bachi-Bouzouk negre.

This last color image was taken March 25th and I have continued to refine. Currently I am cleaning up the hat and "am about to loose my mind with all the strings Gerome has so masterfully painted. They are so thinly done that I am working with a mini brush (reserved for miniature painting). If any of you have suggestions how to handle these fine lines easier, I will take note.

1st the Original...