The Wood Carver

John Reidy · 05-15-2006, 05:41 PM

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 · 05-15-2006, 06:15 PM

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 · 05-15-2006, 06:17 PM

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 · 05-15-2006, 06:22 PM

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

I have added a new version here, too.

John Reidy · 05-15-2006, 06:27 PM

And one of his hands.

John Reidy · 05-15-2006, 06:59 PM

I removed this post since I edited the first picture

Alexandra Tyng · 05-15-2006, 09:05 PM

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.

Mischa Milosevic · 05-30-2006, 05:30 AM

John this is awesome! Sure the details and the drawing is all there but it is the values that do it for me. Grate job! Bay the way, amongst other things, I too like the way you represented the shirt.

Sincere regards,
mischa

John Reidy · 05-30-2006, 04:36 PM

Thank you Mischa,

I appreciate all of the nice comments. When I saw the photograph I knew that the shirt was one of those things that would make it or break it. I'm happy that so many have made such positive remarks.

Thanks again.

Pat Graham · 07-15-2006, 09:17 PM

John, this piece seems to have an appealing, limited palette feel to it. Am I correct? I could look at it for a long time (in fact, I did!)

Pat