The Bis

[Scott Bartner]

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...