The Barefoot Pianist

Clive Fullagar · 09-20-2009, 02:13 PM

My latest portrait commission (30" x 40"). Pianos are wonderful to paint.

Claudemir Bonfim · 09-22-2009, 07:34 PM

Man... that's a great piece!
Loved it!

Natalie Hunsaker · 09-22-2009, 11:39 PM

Great composition! I love all the blue reflections on the piano and the balance achieved with the little fireplace on the left. Wonderful piece!

Margaret Ferguson · 10-18-2009, 03:41 PM

Lovely, atmospheric painting.
I like the balance of complementary colour, it works beautifully. Is it in oils or acrylics?

Garth Herrick · 01-07-2010, 11:48 AM

Wow, this is bold, powerful, and original, Clive! I love it. Even on a purely abstract level, it is among the strongest compositions I've seen. It also says a lot for the high level of musicianship your subject must have. The lighting is fantastic!

All the best,

Garth

Ronald Morgan · 01-08-2010, 07:32 PM

I love this! Especially the piano. I love the clean and sharp way you have painted it.

Alexandra Tyng · 01-08-2010, 08:24 PM

Clive,

Every time you post something new I know it's going to be a visual treat. This does not disappoint! The composition is stunningly bold. I love the angles and sweeping curves of the piano, and the way you made the decision to cut off the top. I just increases the impression of abstraction. The fire and the boy deep in concentrated playing complete the scene. Looking at this, I feel you saw the scene and knew just how it could work, what to put in and what to leave out.

Clive Fullagar · 01-08-2010, 09:38 PM

Thank you all for your kind words. This was actually a dream sitting - something I cannot say too often when painting 14 yearolds. Ben (the pianist) is an extremely self-assured young man and a really accomplished musician. He was very relaxed and knew exactly what I was wanting. Chopin is one of his favorite composers so I wanted to get the mood of a nocturne - so I used a lot of blue in my pallet. I put the fire in later as a symbol for a young, prodigious talent. I like the way that the flames, shapes, and reflections in the piano almost have a musical quality in themselves. I also like the way in which there is a wonderful juxtaposition of classical sophistication and modern, youthful energy.