My First official unveiling

[Jerry Berg]

I joined this forum about 4 months ago and in my intro I mentioned that I was getting started on a portrait of the President of the Univ. where I teach. Well we just had the unveiling of the painting Tue. Jan 15, 2008. The unveiling occurred during the opening of our faculty show. I have 4 other pieces in the show but this was the highlight.

Hopefully this is the first of many to come in the future.

Below is a small image of the portrait and a few photos from the event which had a very large turnout. I am also providing a link to a version on my web site that you can zoom in to see the detail.

When I first approached the president about doing this portrait I was originally thinking academic, doctoral robes, etc... Having gone to the Spring commencement ceremonies like all of our faculty are required to do, I never really paid attention to his robes as the faculty sit a good distance from the stage, etc...

Well, once I had everything set up to have his photo taken that I would be able to work from, he came in to his office and brought in his robes. I noticed all of the ornamentation in the necklace, medallion and sleeves and wondered what the heck I got myself into.

Well, three months later, the painting was finished, I had a frame and the unveiling and WOW what a great experience.

The frame is a hand carved, hand gilded frame from Regence Picture Frames in NY. They did a great job. I just mention them as someone on this forum under the framing mentioned them. I actually approached many framers for quotes and these guys were very personable and mocked up the painting for me based on a photo of the portrait in progress. Anyway, now that I have had a painting in a "real" frame (as opposed to a moulded frame), I know that I won't want to go back.

The portrait is oil on panel using a grisaille underpainting and many glazed layers for the color.

I know that this has been a bit long winded so here are the photos and the link to the large version of the portrait that you can zoom in to.

Thanks,

Jerry

http://www.jerryberg.com/portraits/dr-reneau.html

[Alexandra Tyng]

Jerry,

Congratulations on your first official unveiling!

He looks quite authoritative and yet pleasant. I really like the point of view. The perspective has been worked out nicely. You must have had a great time painting the robes, and I have to say I admire the way the understated pattern and color of the chair upholstery contrasts with the robes and plays up the blue color. I think you did a wonderful job rendering the chair fabric! In all, a success!

[Laurel Alanna McBrine]

You did a very nice job of making his head stand out - when you squint, it is the area of highest contrast and the hands are subdued in comparison. The value massing is well done too, with the whole background and chair dark and subdued, much like Sargent did in many of his portraits. I am sure painting those robes and decorations was way more fun than a navy suit!

[Tom Edgerton]

Jerry--

Congratulations on your success! The first unveiling is a great feeling. Hope there are many more...

[Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco]

Congratulations Jerry,
I hope this is the first of a string of successes.
The painting is solid and very nicely balanced, it has a quiet quality to it that suits the sitter very well.
Ilaria

[Marina Dieul]

Congratulations Jerry on this successful unveiling !

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Congratulations, Jerry. Nice work.

[Garth Herrick]

An auspicious occasion indeed! May there be many more. Congratulations, Jerry!

Garth

[John Reidy]

Congratulations, Jerry. Beautiful work and a well deserved recognition. I was advised many years ago that a good frame will compliment but "disappear" and let the subject be the star. Even though you mentioned the frame, I had to go back after reading all of the posts to check it out.

Good job.