The Wood Carver

[John Reidy]

Attached is a portrait of my brother-in-law. He is retired from the State Department and has his own business as a Western Cowboy Carichature wood carver. He has quite a following and his carvings are based on much research with a little humor. He has a website, I believe it is outwestgallery.com.

This portrait is from a photograph he took of himself. You might be able to see the remote in his left hand between his forefinger and thumb. I was struck by a natural composition that the photograph suggested, so I changed a few things in their arrangement and through the painting adjusted the focus on hom and his hand, creating a natural field of interest. My other goal was to create some depth. I have shown it to my brother-in-law and he is very happy with it. I hope you all are as well.

It measures 38"H x 34"W and is oil on stretched linen.

I'm not very happy with the image posted. I will try to post some close-ups to help.

I've edited this to update a better image.

[Kimberly Dow]

John, I love this! It has such a great narrative feel to it. I dont know that Ive ever seena plaid shirt I liked in a painting, but this looks great.

[John Reidy]

Here is a close up of the subject but it is still a poor representation. It is @ 72 dpi, 1 compression jpeg, 400 x 536 pixels.

I have edited this to post a better version, same size and format but compressed at a 5 level.

[John Reidy]

And one of his head. I wish these images were clearer. Can anyone help?

I have added a new version here, too.

[John Reidy]

And one of his hands.

[John Reidy]

I removed this post since I edited the first picture

[Alexandra Tyng]

John,

I really like this one! I guess I relate to it personally because I like painting people in their natural surroundings. You really see the environment as an extension of your father-in-law. He' s enclosed by his work area (nice angles!) but it does not feel claustrophobic. I like how you included the details (but not too many) of his wood carving business. Each one is well-placed and the whole has a natural rather than contrived look: "real life" rather than "stage set." Congratulations on a fine piece.

[Steven Sweeney]

John,

Great painting, super job on the figure and the flesh tones, drawing, and gesture.

If this happens to be the piece you wanted comment on in terms of focus, double post it in that thread. The Unveilings area isn't available for that kind of input.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Great painting John.

[Dianne Gardner]

Wow, John this is incredible! Such detail. I thought it was the photograph. Excellent.

Dianne