The Bis

Scott Bartner · 04-21-2005, 05:58 AM

The prodigal son returns and he's found religion, or should I say, its found him. At 135 cm by 85 cm, this portrait is by far the largest I've attempted. (Now I know how Sharon feels working on her huge pastels.)

The Bishop was painted on a "RealGesso" linen panel made for me by Max Howard. It's a fine surface to work on. I need to rest my hand on the surface I paint on which is why I prefer panels and linen panels. The linen surface was ideal for the thick, "painterly" handling I had in mind for this subject.

While working on the Bishop I was also painting a commissioned nude and needed to turn him against the wall because I felt his eyes on me (or perhaps the nude). I don't know how artists can work with others watching, real or imaginary.

I've attached a few close ups just to keep an eye on things...

Mary Sparrow · 04-21-2005, 07:15 AM

Amazing! Thank you so much for the close ups.

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 04-21-2005, 08:46 AM

Scott you are a modern Titian.
Ilaria

Chris Saper · 04-21-2005, 10:44 AM

Wow! This is just a beautiful portrait, Scott.

The realgesso is a wonderful surface!

Enzie Shahmiri · 04-21-2005, 10:49 AM

He has such wonderful presence. Very nice!

Lisa Ober · 04-21-2005, 10:49 AM

Scott, gosh that's beautiful. I love the way you handled the cast shadows around the mouth. The way you depict the reflective light is superb. The whole painting is knock down awesome.

Sharon Knettell · 04-21-2005, 11:39 AM

A man in costume! How did I miss that one!

Scott, what a wonderful painting, with great presence and beautiful and subtle form. I just love the magenta!

About painting big. There are times when I want to make them into rafts and float them down the nearest river, just to be rid of them.

Terri Ficenec · 04-21-2005, 12:26 PM

Just gorgeous Scott! Love the built up light, how you handled the different reds, his wrinkles... gorgeous!

Scott Bartner · 04-22-2005, 08:37 AM

Thank you everyone. You are very kind. I mentioned to Ilaria that I do in fact share something with Titian: an undying love for Italian food. Unfortunately that's where the similarity ends.

Sharon, at times I was tempted to float this one down the river Maas. I work in a small studio and it was difficult to really see the thing as it was developing. Large portraits require large studios where one can constantly step back and see what's going on.

Taking photos of a work large or small is a challenge as well. Linda, Garth is attempting to improve the quality of my poor images. I'll try to include one of the hand.

Allan Rahbek · 04-23-2005, 10:44 AM

Scott,

Congratulations with this glowing portrait. I think it made the difference with the new pictures. All in your favor.

Allan