Archbishop

Valentino Radman · 08-16-2002, 01:34 PM

This was my most recent commission. The painting is in oil and measures 32" x 24".

I had to deal with two light sources, from the both left and right side, so I painted right side of my sitter's face in cooler tones (though they were not actually there, because both light sources were warm) to achieve illusion of third dimension.

On this photograph, all colours shifted to the warm side of the spectrum, and I noticed some other changes, (for instance, his right hand is whole value darker than in original painting, while left hand looks pretty much as on photo), but, as someone said, reproduction is just an information on painting.

Mike McCarty · 08-18-2002, 10:34 PM

Valentino,

This looks just beautiful to me. Did the Archbishop sit for you? Where do you teach?

Valentino Radman · 08-19-2002, 05:56 AM

Mike,

Since the archbishop was too busy to sit for me several days in a row, I suggested painting from a photograph. Since I know him personally, I had no problem getting a likeness using a photo, which was taken in my presence, following my instructions. I didn't want to have him in front of a dark background.

I am not particulary fond of those life-sized portrait where light hits only part of the sitter's face and the rest of the picture is totally obscured in a dark haze. It can be very effective, as Rembrandt and some other Masters proved, but I like where I can discern some other part of the painting as well (I am talking large painting here).

Regarding your second question, I am teaching art history in a private high school where I'm also giving a drawing class to the students.

Karin Wells · 08-19-2002, 08:59 AM

Congratulations on painting such a wonderful portrait! I'll bet that the Archbishop is very pleased with it.

Leopoldo Benavidez · 08-20-2002, 12:32 AM

Beautifully done, Valentino. Superb job, which is evidence of your skillfull hand. Very well exceuted in all areas except the chain that holds the cross. A minor issue. The values of the chain remain constant, even opposite of the light. It jumps out unnaturally and doesn't feel part of his robe! Maybe it is my computer? Again, my congratulations.

Valentino Radman · 08-20-2002, 05:03 AM

Karin, Leopoldo:

Thank you for your kind words. Archbishop was pleased, indeed. He placed the painting in the room with the portraits of his predecessors.
As for the chain, I have to say that it does jumps out on this scan. I was aware what could happen so I paid special attention to that.
The values of the chain opposite of the light are not the same (on the original); right side is slightly darker, though not much darker than left, because there were two light sources, and the silver is quite reflective surface.

Another thing that makes chain "floating" above Archbishop's chest is the fact that his right side is uniformly dark on this scan, without details, setting off chain much more than on painting. On the original, there are clearly visible wrinkles of the garment, rendered in very low key. Instead of using black colour, I glazed Gamblin Asphaltum over several layers of Prussian blue/Raw Umber mixtures on that area (wiped away and painted again). Those subtleties are completely lost here.

Stanka Kordic · 09-05-2002, 11:45 AM

Valentino,

I just saw this! You did an excellent job, congratulations. I need to show my parents. What's his name?

Valentino Radman · 09-05-2002, 01:05 PM

Stanka,

His name is Ivan Prendja. He is Archbishop of Zadar, city where I live, since 1996. Your parents might remember his predecessor, retired Archbishop Emeritus Msgr Marijan Oblak.

(To clear things up for other members of the Forum: Stanka's parents are both Croats)