My first oil portrait

Terri Ficenec · 03-02-2006, 02:07 PM

Oooooh David. . . I see her now. Positively gorgeous!!! You've given her such dignity, character and warmth. She glows. Absolutely stunning.

Lisa Ober · 03-02-2006, 02:40 PM

Well, David, you have inspired me again. This time I am inspired to put all of my paintings behind needlework so no one can see them.

You rock.

Claudemir Bonfim · 03-02-2006, 02:57 PM

Very beautiful David, I like the values in both portraits.

Alexandra Tyng · 03-02-2006, 09:52 PM

Wow, David! Your Bhuddist Nun is outstanding in so many ways. I especially love her expression, the glowing light and the simplicity. And I really enjoyed seeing your first attempt at oils. Thanks for posting them both.

John Reidy · 03-02-2006, 10:51 PM

David,

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing and raising the bar.

David Draime · 03-03-2006, 12:00 AM

Alexandra, thank you so much! You should know that I wasn't going to post the "adolescent" painting until I saw the incredible pieces you did as a child. They were so delightful - I just want to say again: thank you so much for posting those. It was such a treat. You know, since painting is so new to me, I feel I'm at the beginning of a VERY steep learning curve - there is so much I don't know. Your comments are a real boost. Thanks.

John, thanks so much - you are quite kind.

Cindy Procious · 03-03-2006, 08:10 AM

Wonderful painting! Simple and dramatic composition, still, yet full of narrative. She makes me smile right back at her. Your paint handling ROCKS.

David Draime · 03-05-2006, 01:49 PM

Cindy, thank you very much! I never thought I had (or ever would have) much of a sense of narrative in any of my work, so I am pleased that you think so. After seeing your awesome Ballerina Girl, I'm inspired to do a figurative piece before long...but I probably should do a few more simple portraits, to figure out what I'm doing.

This whole painting thing - I'm hooked. I can't wait to do more. I now SO envy any of you lucky ones out there who get to do this full time.
....someday...(sigh)...

David Draime · 03-02-2006, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudemir Bonfim

Very beautiful David, I like the values in both portraits.

I'm especially glad you like the first potrait - it seems like everybody likes the stupid nun portrait, and aren't giving Gridiron, Guts & Glory its due consideration!!

What's up with that? Thank you, Claudemir.

Garth Herrick · 03-05-2006, 02:50 PM

Dear David,

When I don't know how it is possible for you to improve beyond your existing artistic mastery, you do it again, showing absolute mastery of a new medium. I am finding you like several other pastel masters here in this Forum, have superior ability to make the successful transition to oils. You have razor perfect value and drawing skills that mesh perfectly with oils for a higher level of perfection than has been seen in realism up to this point.

Yes, do enter this everywhere, even though the rest of us won't stand a chance in the same competition. I hope you are entering this in the Portrait Society of America's international competition this year. I will come to Dallas to see this in person; that may clinch the deal for me to attend!

I love this composition too! There is such an affinity of curves echoing out from the corner, to her kind and soft face. What a serene expression! May I be among the first to add this image has a strong retinal burn factor as well. She stays on my mind. I am proud to have met you.

Kudos!

Garth

(well FWIW, here's my first oil. 1962, age four. See, even your first oil was much better than mine!):