Martina & The Artist's Way

Rob Sullivan · 02-04-2005, 10:35 PM

Oil on Strathmore board, 16" x 20".

As ubiquitous as this book may seem, I have to say that it truly helped me through a very dry spell in my artistic life. Martina acts as muse in this painting, for she, too was instrumental in getting me painting again. She was a fantastic model and an even better person.

Rob Sullivan · 02-04-2005, 11:15 PM

She had unusually small hands and feet for a woman who stood 5'8".

Garth Herrick · 02-05-2005, 01:34 AM

Dear Rob,

This is a lovely portrait of your friend and inspiration as an artist. The fall of light down her back side is pleasing and honest in the way it describes her complex and subtly nuanced forms and structure. This well observed play of light feels natural, being sharper an brighter near the shoulder and more diminished and diffuse as it falls beneath. Nicely done! That book is perfect too.

Garth

Linda Brandon · 02-05-2005, 02:25 AM

Lovely painting, Rob, and how can you work so small?

One of the things I appreciate in paintings of nudes is a sense of gravity and weight in the body. This should happen in even a slight body as is the case in your friend Martina. You've done a nice job here, especially in the arms, giving the viewer the impression that you have really observed this woman. Thanks for posting this.

Sharon Knettell · 02-05-2005, 04:12 PM

Rob,

What a lovely and graceful figure.
I hate to point out specific parts of anatomy, but her derriere is really beautifully realized.

Thank you for this wonderful and classy addition to this nascent thread.

Maria Nemchuk · 02-05-2005, 05:13 PM

Wow, Rob! I love the way you resolved the lighted back.
BTW, how did you prepare the board?

Maria