Southern Comfort

Gary Grier · 05-07-2003, 03:49 PM

Hello everyone, this is my first post. This portrait is of my friend Shane. He's from my home town of Jacksonville,Fla., hence the title.

The painting is oil on canvas , the size of the painting is 11" x 14"

The painting was inspired by Rembrant's later self-portraits.

Gary Grier · 05-07-2003, 03:51 PM

The portrait.

Brian Koelz · 05-08-2003, 12:21 AM

I'm thinking this image is painted from a photograph, and beautifully so. I think it would gain something from a little more invented color in that dramatic shadow area to the left of the subject. I'm writing assuming you were looking for criticism.

Brian

Brian Koelz · 05-08-2003, 12:23 AM

I would love to see a detail of your technique. It doesn't read too clearly at this size.

Brian

Holly Snyder · 05-08-2003, 08:54 AM

This is really enjoyable, as it is exuding character. The lighting really adds to the piece. The only thing that bothers me a little is the cut off hand on the right. It makes me wonder if he is reaching for a glass? Maybe that's a good thing, if you mean to pique ones curiosity. If you do want to make the hand less noticeable you could darken it a little, so that the contrast between it and the shirt is not so great. Or lighten the background behind the hand a little.

Regards,
Holly

Mai Ly · 05-08-2003, 02:05 PM

Dear Gary,

This is a lovely painting. I do agree with Holly about the left hand, the way it was cut off as well as the brightness of the hand itself. Also, what bothers me with this painting is the way the (same left) hand reaches out creating a horizontal line, running almost parallel to the black bar from below, dividing the painting into two equal halves. However, this is only my opinion. You may want to hear what others may have to say, before making any changes to your lovely painting.

Sincerely,
Mai