A better version of Laura Ravasi.

Judson Eneas · 08-02-2004, 10:09 AM

I am entering here a better version of Laura Ravasi. So, what do you think?

Allan Rahbek · 08-02-2004, 11:38 AM

You must be kidding, right ?

Allan

Judson Eneas · 08-02-2004, 02:18 PM

You mean the painting is that terrible?

Allan Rahbek · 08-02-2004, 02:33 PM

Hi Judson,

With all respect, yes !

I think that you will have a lot to learn by listening to the many skilled painters in this forum.

I too am learning from my mistakes. And I put learning above all other things.

I like to show of and get applause, but I also know that it is a short pleasure.

If you really want to learn you must be humble and serious.

That

Judson Eneas · 08-02-2004, 04:02 PM

What advice would you give me on how to improve this painting? It appears that I have a problem painting White people.

Allan Rahbek · 08-02-2004, 04:22 PM

Hi Judson,

I would advise you to look at the demo's of Marvin Mattelson and others.
And look at Morgan Weistlings homepage.

The colors of the so called colored people and the so called white is not that different that you need a different palette !!!!!!

Allan

Sharon Knettell · 08-02-2004, 05:06 PM

Judson,

Your problem is not painting particular skin-tones. It lies with your overall lack of knowledge of the underlying structure of what makes a good painting; good solid drawing and an understanding of the basics of form.

I would suggest you look into buying Harold Speed's books -
"The Practice and Science of Drawing" and "The Practice and Science of Painting". They are only about $12 each.

Practice ONLY your drawing for at least a year, then do some simple monochromatic painting of simple objects before you attempt the human face and painting in full color. You will be glad you did.

Lynn T. McCallum · 08-02-2004, 05:56 PM

Judson!

How disheartening this must be for you!

Hang in there and keep on improving your skills! I can see you were looking at the big basic shapes and did OK. Design is a biggie for better painting also. It just takes a lot of time and patience. When people have portraits painted they want it to be an accurate and flattering representation of how they perceive themselves to others. This is not an easy thing to do at all! Marvin Mattelson has told us all on a few occasions that portrait painting is much more difficult profession to study than that of the studies of a brain surgeon. It's a discipline first, then it's an expression! You'll do fine just keep at it.

BTW. The Paxton palette, which is what a lot of portrait painters are starting to adapt is good for any race. You just mix that palette and pretty much that is all is needed for some beautiful flesh tones. Black, East Indian, Asian, you name the race, there are all the colors you need before you!

Joan Breckwoldt · 08-02-2004, 06:30 PM

Hi Judson,

I looked at some of the other portraits you have posted on the forum and I think you are doing a good job of handling the paint, and a nice job with your paint color. In my opinion, it would help you to do some drawing exercises. There are some threads on this forum about HOW to measure, different techniques. You might hold your brush straight out in front of you and note that the head to chin is a certain length of your brush, then also notice that the chin to middle of the chest is the SAME distance. Mark that as a guideline on your canvas and so on and so on.

This particular portrait seems to be out of porportion but your others are in much better porportion. This just means you need practice

with your drawing to get more consistent. I know drawing with charcoal or pencil isn't as exciting as doing a full fledged portrait, but after doing some drawings your portraits will be that much better.

You could do some drawings of objects and then people. Just a face or even a hand. There are many drawings posted and you would probably get helpful feedback on drawing if you posted drawings.

I hope this helps. Above all, stick with it!

Joan

Sharon Knettell · 08-02-2004, 07:24 PM

Judson,

Nothing is more discouraging than not having the skills at your fingertips to paint your visions.

Skill takes time and practice. You have to build a foundation before you build that fancy house.

Portrait painting IS NOT finding a suitable (or in many cases as I have seen, unsuitable) photograph and copying it.

You will find that all the MAJOR portrait painters in this country have spent a great deal of time first working tonally in black and white, then doing studies from LIVE models.

If you just want to have fun and impress your friends and relatives with copies of their photos, what you are doing is fine. If you are seeking a more discerning and better paying clientele and are serious about being a fine artist, then you have to put in the hard work. There are no shortcuts.

A great deal of the difficulty I see with many of the posts here is that too many people rush into the very difficult job of painting with color without the proper background. Give yourself the gift of really preparing yourself, you will never regret the time.

There are places to post your drawings on this site. I am sure you will get some useful feedback.