Self - Page 2

Terri Ficenec · 09-19-2005, 11:51 PM

Hi Dave--
On the eyes, they're probably worth changing if they're not like your own. . . but otherwise

Vibrant, solid and well done!

Lisa Ober · 09-20-2005, 01:59 AM

I agree with everyone else that this is a terrific painting. I particularly like the way you hadled the highlights. The portrait glows with life.

Dave McKnight · 09-20-2005, 01:45 PM

Wow! I was very surprised to see all these replies when I looked at this thread this morning. I woke up feeling kind of cranky but all these encouraging responses have made my day...and I will try to ruminate on them as long as I can.

Alexandra - I still think that flaws are flaws particularly if they're unintentional. I doubt there is anyone that can paint without any flaws (although some of the stuff I've seen here comes pretty darn close)- the severity of the flaw is what matters, I suppose. In this case, the flaws are nasty enough to warrant fixing. I think the opinions of others should sway me to at least see problems where I don't. There is lot of stuff I've done in the past that my own eyes were incapable of objectively critiquing. With fresh eyes, I look back now in shock at the problems I didn't see then.

Chris - I'm delighted that you like and appreciate what I've done here! I agree the process of doing a self-portrait from life is VERY hard. I've done several but I think this may be the most difficult for me due to the masochistic approach I have taken. First, I arranged my lighting environment to be quite unstable - where every slight tilt of my head would alter values and colours fairly significantly. Second, I did this life size using a mirror that sits next to my canvas on my easel. In hindsight, I should have sat as far back from the easel as I could have but what I ended up doing was moving my head back and forth between mirror and canvas, either painting the memory of what I last saw or painting the image I see on a canvas that is off to my left.

Michele - Thanks!

Marcus - I'm honored by what you've said and how you expressed it!

Garth - I've been admiring the quality of your portraits quite a bit on this forum so your words mean a great deal to me - thanks!

Terri - Thank you!

Lisa - Thanks a lot. I'll try to get a close up later on since the digital image doesn't show the texture, particularly for the lighter areas.

Dave McKnight · 09-21-2005, 12:23 AM

I had a few minutes to touch this up a bit tonight. There are still some things I plan to do when I have more time but I got a closeup picture to show what my camera can't pick up from a distance.

Claudemir Bonfim · 09-21-2005, 05:59 AM

Hi Dave,
It looks much better now, you're doing a great job!

Dave McKnight · 09-21-2005, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudemir Bonfim

Hi Dave,
It looks much better now, you're doing a great job!

Thanks!

Dave McKnight · 10-02-2005, 01:18 PM

I updated this last week. I know there a problems with the eye and ears but I don't plan to come back to this since it would probably result in yet another repaint.

Julie Deane · 10-02-2005, 05:34 PM

Dave -

I think the pluses GREATLY outnumber the things you mention. Nice work!

I really like the use of those warm colors, the three-dimensional feel and the overall look of this piece.

Garth Herrick · 10-02-2005, 09:51 PM

Dave,

Wow, you really do repaint completely with each update. It is much stronger now, through all that decision making. Your rich expressive color is a unique treat here. I am looking forward to your next portrait.

Garth

Dave McKnight · 10-04-2005, 10:03 AM

Julie - Thanks! I push hard for the illusion of mass. I painted this under incandescent lights and the photo of it is under the same lighting. Under daylight conditions it doesn't appear as warm. I wish I know how I could paint something in warm light and retain that warmth for other lighting conditions.

Garth - Yeah, the repainting habit bothers me quite a bit. I have reckless tendencies, wanting to paint fast, wet, sloppy and all over the canvas. What it means is I can spend all sorts of time fussing with something only to lose it all in the next session. On the other hand I want to believe that this process is doing something good for my development. For a future one, I think I ought to experiment with a more careful approach.