Joanne

Jonathan Hardesty · 03-23-2007, 04:53 PM

Hey guys! I know it's been a while. I'm sorry about that.

I have been busy though. Here is one of the recent portraits I finished. It was starting to sink in a bit when I took the picture...but you get the idea. Ok enough excuses hehe.

Carlos Ygoa · 03-23-2007, 07:05 PM

Such strong visual impact this painting has...it has the power to hold the viewer

Dan Landrie · 03-23-2007, 08:00 PM

if you squint and stare at this painting it looks like your looking thru a keyhole
just thought that was interesting
an absolutely beautiful painting

Chris Saper · 03-23-2007, 08:26 PM

Dear Jonathan,

I love this painting! It has elegance and power and restraint all wrapped up in one.

Would you mind posting some close -ups and extreme close-ups? What can you tell us about the painting of this woman -not just technically, but how you came to create this work?

Marina Dieul · 03-23-2007, 08:56 PM

Jonathan,
powerful and elegant, that's exactly the words which came to me when I watched your portrait.
Those 3 blue circles are fascinating!

Jonathan Hardesty · 03-24-2007, 10:59 AM

I am always delightfully surprised when I show other artists my work. All of you are so perceptive. This is actually a painting of my mother-in-law. I wanted to wait to see what everyone thought before I posted that information. I am actually using this to build my portrait portfolio. We actually get along can you believe it?! She is actually full blood italian and was raised in New Jersey. She married a British man who grew up in South Africa. So she is a mingling of the fiery jersey girl and the proper british side. I actually told her when I finished the portrait, "To me you are like a wild mustang that has every appearance of a thoroughbred horse". We have a good relationship so I am able to make animal references without suffering for it heheh. There's also a joke about her around the house that she is the "queen". So all those ideas were wrapped up in this portrait. I am extremely happy that all of those things were conveyed. Thanks again for all your comments they are so encouraging.

This is 18 x 24 in oils of course

Here are the requested closeups:

Sharon Knettell · 03-29-2007, 01:17 PM

Beautiful job Jonathan.

The transparency of the blouse is beautifully handled. The face is elegant but riveting.

Linda Brandon · 04-01-2007, 06:07 PM

Jonathan, this is a terrific painting, intense and striking. I love your paint handling here and we get such a strong impression of your subject's personality. Thanks for the closeups, what a treat!

Karine Monaco · 03-29-2007, 06:57 AM

Hi Jonathan,

I'm so glad that you post some new work!
Powerful.
Thank you for being yourself when you paint. This painting is great and strong because you don't forget who you are when you paint. Keep being yourself, be confident, and have fun

Oh, I have a question for you... It looks evident to me that you have been nurturing the desire of painting your model for a certain time before starting to actually paint her. Is it the case?

Have you had the occasion of painting someone that you don't know in a short delay (i.e. without having a lot of time to impregnate yourself of the future painting)?

I am asking this because I came to realize that I personnally need a LOT more time to nurture the image I have of someone and the will of painting him/her inside of me than for actually painting the portrait.

So I wondered if you felt the same?

Anyway, thank you again for sharing this inspiring piece!

Sincerely,

Karine