Portrait of the Old Man as an Artist

[John Zeissig]

Hello, all.

I'm an artist who's only recently started doing portraits (9 months) and just discovered this site. I was stunned by the level of accomplishment of many of the posters to this Forum, and I've been scouring the archives for the vast amounts of useful information to be found here.

All my academic training has been in science (electrophysiology and physiological psychology) with a focus on the physiology of vision. However, I've done drawing, painting and sculpture since I was a teenager.

In 1990, I started exhibiting artwork, although rarely paintings. Most of my stuff involves light, sound and motion and would be of little interest to others on this Forum. Nevertheless, I've become fascinated by portraiture and figure painting, with the intention of developing it into something that I can best describe as modern "genre" painting (nothing really new, there are plenty of examples out there).

I'm attaching a self-portrait that I'm using for my signature. The original is 11" x 14", oil on maple panel. Any comments/criticism would, of course, be appreciated. I know that I've much to learn and I can't get the kind of honest feedback from family and artist friends that this Forum can provide.

Thanks,
John Zeissig

What a lovely self portrait.

I often hear from people that glasses are hard to do. I am a new portrait artist.

Welcome to the Forum.

[John Zeissig]

Hi Mary,

Well, I'm a new portrait artist too. Yes, I find glasses, windows, any glass or transparent surface to be difficult subject matter. You've got all the stuff behind the surface plus the broad reflections, specular highlights etc. from the surface. It can be very treacherous. I'm still working things out on a case by case basis.

Thanks for your kind welcome!

[Cynthia Daniel]

John,

Welcome to the Forum! I see a lot of talent and character in your self-portrait. We look forward to hearing more from you.

If you'd like a critique on your self-portrait, it would be best to post it in the appropriate Critique section.

[John Zeissig]

Hello Cynthia,

Thank you for your encouraging welcome! I'll try to post the self-portrait to the critique section later today. Sorry for the breach of protocol; I should have edited out the comments/critique paragraph I guess.

[Cynthia Daniel]

No problem John. It's just that members will be hesistant to do a critique unless it's posted under Critiques.