I joined this forum about 4 months ago and in my intro I mentioned that I was getting started on a portrait of the President of the Univ. where I teach. Well we just had the unveiling of the painting Tue. Jan 15, 2008. The unveiling occurred during the opening of our faculty show. I have 4 other pieces in the show but this was the highlight.
Hopefully this is the first of many to come in the future.
Below is a small image of the portrait and a few photos from the event which had a very large turnout. I am also providing a link to a version on my web site that you can zoom in to see the detail.
When I first approached the president about doing this portrait I was originally thinking academic, doctoral robes, etc... Having gone to the Spring commencement ceremonies like all of our faculty are required to do, I never really paid attention to his robes as the faculty sit a good distance from the stage, etc...
Well, once I had everything set up to have his photo taken that I would be able to work from, he came in to his office and brought in his robes. I noticed all of the ornamentation in the necklace, medallion and sleeves and wondered what the heck I got myself into.
Well, three months later, the painting was finished, I had a frame and the unveiling and WOW what a great experience.
The frame is a hand carved, hand gilded frame from Regence Picture Frames in NY. They did a great job. I just mention them as someone on this forum under the framing mentioned them. I actually approached many framers for quotes and these guys were very personable and mocked up the painting for me based on a photo of the portrait in progress. Anyway, now that I have had a painting in a "real" frame (as opposed to a moulded frame), I know that I won't want to go back.
The portrait is oil on panel using a grisaille underpainting and many glazed layers for the color.
I know that this has been a bit long winded so here are the photos and the link to the large version of the portrait that you can zoom in to.
Thanks,
Jerry
http://www.jerryberg.com/portraits/dr-reneau.html
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