Sandy

Alexandra Tyng · 03-18-2009, 12:23 PM

Kevin,

It's compelling and mysterious. The color of the light evokes Rembrandt, something I don't see often in work on this site although it is for "traditional" portrait painting. Well done! Were you trying to express an aspect of your friend's personality or were you using him as a model for trying out certain ideas? Or both? Just curious.

Kevin Spaulding · 03-18-2009, 12:52 PM

Wow, thanks all for the complements. The piece was inspired for twofold reasons: Aesthetically I was fascinated with the composition, how the light defined the shapes, especially the commanding arc of his balding pate, and the way the shadows melded into the background. The piece was also inspired by my friend's pensive/introspective mood during the week he learned his wife had emphysema. Very sad. I should also add I gave the portrait to him in exchange for him modeling for another painting that I am working on presently. Below is a more detailed image.

Enzie Shahmiri · 03-21-2009, 05:22 PM

Kevin this painting is absolutely wonderful. I like the deep shadow and overall color scheme. Just wonderful!

Carlos Ygoa · 03-21-2009, 06:52 PM

Hello Kevin,

Very fine work! You have obvious command of your craft and a style that pays homage to the old masters. I am reminded in particular of Ribera

Patricia Joyce · 03-22-2009, 09:41 AM

I really like the dramatic lighting, so well done!

Kevin Spaulding · 03-23-2009, 10:01 AM

[QUOTE=Carlos Ygoa]Hello Kevin,

Very fine work! You have obvious command of your craft and a style that pays homage to the old masters. I am reminded in particular of Ribera

Carlos Ygoa · 03-24-2009, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Spaulding

...but his radical compositions and textural surfaces....

Ribera

Amanda Grosjean · 03-24-2009, 10:08 AM

I can't really top the very thoughtful comments already written but I just wanted to say that I am such a huge fan of chiaroscuro and I know it is not always the easiest technique to apply on a human face. This is just done so masterfully that I am in awe. The colors and the treatment of the wrinkles and vein are beautifully done. What a dramatic mood you've captured, a moment of intensity and reflection.

-Amanda