Tai Chi

Kathy Ashley · 02-25-2003, 11:49 AM

Hello everyone,

This is the first portrait that I put up for a critique. The scan is pretty clear, but the colors did not come out quite right, the skin tones are a bit warmer than what shows.

This is a portrait of GrandMaster Lee, my Tai Chi teacher. It is a 24 X 28 oil on canvas. It is my first waist up and hands included portrait. The black on the fingers are not that dark in reality and the hands are warmer (sorry about the scan).I also deviated from the resource photo to make a more dramatic lighting.

Unfortunately, I gave this painting away to him, so I cannot modify it. But, I would really appreciate any comments so that I can learn from what I did wrong (or good!) with this painting and apply it to my new work.

Thank you.

Kathy Ashley · 02-25-2003, 11:51 AM

Here is the resource picture:

Jeremiah White · 02-25-2003, 10:29 PM

The background is a little too loud and takes away from the subject. Otherwise I think it's a nice picture.

Kathy Ashley · 02-26-2003, 10:35 AM

Thank you for your comments Jeremiah. I will definitely keep that in mind for my next background and make it less saturated.

Josef Sy · 02-26-2003, 02:32 PM

Hi Kathy,

There are some values that are too light; for example, on his right cheek. This makes his cheeks look a lot more puffy.

Kathy Ashley · 02-26-2003, 02:40 PM

Yes! That's it. I see it now. I was wondering why it looked puffy, but I thought it was a line that I didn't draw/paint correctly. That makes sense, duh! Thank you Josef.

So much to learn.!

Karin Wells · 02-26-2003, 03:51 PM

The lighting in the reference photo is much better than your "dramatized" version. Using the light you had, it would have been much more dramatic to place your subject on a darker, more neutral background.

As to color, it is much too bright. It might be helpful for you to first think in terms of massing the three values (light, middle and dark) into a pleasing composition. If you plan your dramatic effect that way before you think about color you will be more on target.

Also, the eyes in the photo are focused toward the action..in your painting they are not.

Kathy Ashley · 02-26-2003, 05:01 PM

Karin,

Thank you for your comments. I do now realize how bad my lighting is. I guess instead of experimenting, I should just stick to what I see, for now.

I have read your post regarding the massing of values and that will really help me in the future.

Since I am new to this Forum, all of my paintings have been done before I read all of the really helpful posts on this site. I wanted to see what I really have to focus on in my next painting. This has been a very good learning experience, thank you.

Jeanine Jackson · 04-04-2003, 11:13 AM

Powerful subject. I like the unconventional backgound which seems to summon the surrounding energy. Finding a way to balance this with your subject for attention is challenging but worthwhile, I think.

The raised hand pointing up is far too light to stay back where it belongs. It may also be a tad too large.

Here's a case for playing soft oriental music in the backgound for inspiration!

Kathy Ashley · 04-04-2003, 01:32 PM

Thank you Jeanine for your encouraging words!

As any beginning artist, I have a lot of doubts and lack confidence but you really are making me want to go grab my brushes.. and play some soft oriental music and try this portrait again.

I will also take your advices regarding the hands, I do now realize that it is too light and that one hand is a bit too big. I worked from a photo instead of from life and you made me realize that I transposed the camera distortion onto the canvas.

It is amazing to me that I didn't see all the flaws that have been pointed out while I was painting it and that I can now see them. It is great to be able to get feedback from a third party who can really "see" and use that as a learning experience.

Ok, time to pick my sleeves back up and go for my fifth portrait!