Depth

Lisa Ober · 09-21-2005, 03:26 AM

Good day!

I debated whether this belongs in this section or in Figurative. I decided to post here because it is indeed a portrait. This painting was just for fun. Shame on me for not having any discipline this week for my commissioned work. I needed a break.

This is an oil, 25 X 36 on my own prepared panel. I keep working with my own panels hoping I can find a preparation I like. I'm getting closer but I think I am going to switch to canvas next and see how that works.

Lately my efforts have been in layering my paint on surfaces that are dry underneath which requires some patience. My other effort has been to acquire patience. Little success there I'm afraid to report.

I have noticed the photos don't quite reflect the contrast of the actual painting but darker earth tones are very difficult to color correct in Photoshop. I have posted the full portrait and a few close-ups below.

I appreciate you looking at my effort.

Claudemir Bonfim · 09-21-2005, 06:03 AM

Very nice Lisa, another great work.

Marcus Lim · 09-21-2005, 06:12 AM

Very nice color tones on the overall Lisa. But I'm concerned about the alignment of the features, especially the eyes and the nose. Somehow I felt something's amiss...am I right?

Lacey Lewis · 09-21-2005, 08:59 AM

Hi Lisa!

A very nice portrait you have here... I recognize this man! I like the subtle color shifts that you have. Don't you just love to paint darker skin tones?

You know, I am usually very biased and like to paint mostly women. But you and others on this forum are inspiring me to track down a muscley guy to paint!

Lisa Ober · 09-21-2005, 09:51 AM

Claudemir, thank you. I would be lying if I said this wasn't a challenge. You're kind to compliment it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Lim

Very nice color tones on the overall Lisa. But i'm concerned about the alignment of the features, especially the eyes and the nose. Somehow i felt something's amiss...am i right?

Thank you, Marcus. No, it isn't wrong. I read this article by Harley Brown the other day which discussed correcting for the slight imperfections in people--whether to do that or not. I think painting them as they are when it is a portrait is okay to do though I admit I sometimes do make changes. It's a tough call.

I will say that I used the sharpen command in Photoshop on this painting and it seems to have lost the way the figure turns in person. The highlight areas seem so flat in the photo and especially on the face. I am going to re-take photos in a few minutes to see if that helps.

Lacey, you have a good eye and you are right. Furthermore, yes, it was a great change to paint the darker skin tone. I love it! At first it was hard to see the subtle changes in tone but I love the change of pace. I rarely paint men either but this one wasn't a bad way to start, eh? Defined muscles are definitely easier to paint. Thansk for commenting.

Off to see if I can get better photos.

Thanks you guys.

Alexandra Tyng · 09-21-2005, 07:48 PM

Lisa,

This is stunning and powerful! Literally! I love it!

Alex

Lisa Ober · 09-21-2005, 10:26 PM

Alex, you are so kind. Every time I see anything you write I think about how you would surely be a great person to meet. You have such a positive and friendly way about you. You really pepped me up. Thank you.

Mary Sparrow · 09-22-2005, 07:59 AM

Lisa, is that Joel?

Great job, you are just working your fingers off lately aren't you? I have a commission to start today and I have been painting so many other things for the last month I feel like a beginner starting over!

Terri Ficenec · 09-22-2005, 09:47 AM

Striking Lisa!
Those muscles have volume, weight. I also think the jeans and belt are beautifully handled. . . the top edge of the denim especially, and that red reflection on the belt.

Lisa Ober · 09-23-2005, 04:16 AM

Mary! You live! You must be so busy. Yes, I am busy but not on the commissions I really need to be working on. It's sort of the calm (not entirely) before the storm. I really had to take a little break. Now it's back to work for what will feel like forever. Yes, you have the subject correct. Thanks for the compliment! It's a relief you recognized him.

Terri, thank you for the kind words. Talk about a change of pace to paint muscles. It's been a while for sure but it was fun. This thing was loaded with some challenges for me: a new paint approach, muscles for a change, darker skin tones, a darn big painting. You'd be fantastic at it I'm sure.

I hope this doesn't sound pompous but it really does look so much better in person, the form turning in a much more believable way in my opinon.

Thanks, both of you.