The Path to Professionalism

William Whitaker · 06-02-2006, 02:00 AM

I would like to point out what kind of study and dedication it takes to be a real master portrait painter. I plan to post drawings and paintings from various artists showing the best in the field and attempt to explain the effort

Carol Norton · 06-02-2006, 11:11 AM

Thank you, Bill, for this wonderful, awe inspiring post and link to Mims Studio. It took my breath away. The paintings on the Mims website touch a powerful, spiritual chord that I shall return again and again for inspiration. Gratitude seems to be my middle name.

Mari DeRuntz · 06-02-2006, 09:12 PM

Three brief clarifying (I hope) remarks:

1. This was the product of a heavily critiqued session, from life, many, many, many sessions. I see Jeffrey's hand (not that he works on your piece, much to the chagrin of most students - but that's another topic) and visual intelligence correcting and guiding throughout. However, I have a strong faith that while juvenile, one day my own mind/eye will be able to translate the amazing design of a human head with more profundity.

2. This drawing is not a badge of success: it is a map in the journey. When you work from life (again, another topic I hold as a divine truth), it's a fantastic dialog between light on form and your always growing, artistic intelligence.

3. The common refrain to the level Bill is propelling us all to: human excuses. Kids. Money. Job. Marriage. IRS. You name it. I am no "trust-fund fauxhemian" - I have a day job where I earn under poverty level wages. Regardless, I found someone to study with whose work buckles my knees. The rest of life, always, will be work, misery, and spots of blinding bliss.

And while the results do not always fly, I do trust the work, and that even failing is good, that everytime you fail you get closer to getting it right.

Linda Brandon · 06-02-2006, 10:16 PM

Mari, I'm so glad Bill posted this incredibly beautiful drawing. You have such great sensitivity and skill and this is a feast for all of us who see it.

Carol Norton · 06-02-2006, 11:52 PM

Mari,
Your comments were so well expressed, they made MY knees buckle. You write beautifully and profoundly. Your drawing is exquisite. You WILL make it.

Carlos Ygoa · 06-03-2006, 08:21 AM

A study ( in pencil, chalk, or whatever) ,for me, seems more linked to the heart and soul of the author than a finished painting. Aside from superb mastery of hand-eye coordination (as is evident in this exquisite drawing), a study is also the product of everything else that the author is and wants to be. These two factors are what make this drawing successful. Congratulations, Mari.

Alexandra Tyng · 06-03-2006, 09:09 AM

Mari, beautiful drawing! I could stare at it for a very long time and keep appreciating something new. I think any artwork, drawing or painting, is more a step in a neverending process rather than a badge of success.

As Bill pointed out, there's going to be more and more competition as realism takes hold as a force in the art world. It's easy to get started. There are a lot of willing customers for inexpensive portraits made directly from photographs. But as you move up in the ranks, the going gets tougher. To create work that is distinctive, original, and expressive at that level takes years of study and practice, and it also takes vision and conviction and humility and self-confidence.

Paul Foxton · 06-04-2006, 08:21 PM

I find this both humbling and inspiring in equal measure, I'm very much looking forward to seeing some more of these posts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mari DeRuntz

even failing is good, that everytime you fail you get closer to getting it right.

I should be really close by now then!
Seriously though, I couldn't agree more. I think I learn much more from my failures than I do from my successes, but of course, you have to be prepared to learn the lessons.

I know what you're saying about each piece being another step on the journey, another point I agree with whole-heartedly, but the drawing really is beautiful, Mari.

Elizabeth Schott · 06-05-2006, 01:16 AM

Mari, it has been so wonderful to watch you these past three years!

It's hard to believe you left a wonderful job as a chef to take on the academic art world, but we are certainly glad you did! This drawing just proves it - it is lovely.

Your dedication/drawing is inspiring - just as your supporter - Mr. Whitaker!

Mari DeRuntz · 06-14-2006, 12:20 AM

Thank you for your kind voices - old friends and new. I knew this thread would not be the coup Mr Whitaker hoped for, but I am willing to sometimes be social if even one artist sees that, yes, Art is being taught and pursued in small studios all over this enormously conflicted modern globe.

It will always be a very small room of people who are interested in this sort of work. Modernity offers too many easy paths to call ourselves artists before we're even crudely competent with charcoal, and because I believe in this training so completely, I know that I'll only have a nostalgic attachment to this drawing in a few years. In fact, the best around me would destroy something so flawed.

I can't wait to see Bill's examples in 10 years, because I'll tell you what, the 14-year-olds who spend summer sessions here - now they are really something to watch.