Oil sketch

Valentino Radman · 05-11-2004, 04:26 PM

I am commissioned to paint a portrait of the President of the University of Zadar (which was founded in 1396, btw).

This is a 12 x 16" preparatory oil sketch. It is actually a test painting, one that helped me to solve the most important problems (composition, color scheme, values, details etc) and to test the ideas that I might come upon during the work on a final, 32 x 24", piece.

Leslie Ficcaglia · 05-11-2004, 09:01 PM

This is a test sketch? I can't wait to see the actual painting, then. It's gorgeous; the color and detail are so richly painted. Are you planning to make any changes in the larger work based on this?

Valentino Radman · 05-12-2004, 08:26 AM

The size of the final painting will be larger, but the format is the same.

Perhaps I'll do some minor adjustments, since when you work on a larger scale (that is - when you blow up your sketch), some specific problems might occur.

However, being pretty happy with the composition, color scheme and the values, I do not think there will be any major change.

Josef Sy · 05-12-2004, 08:45 AM

Very nice work Valentino. I really love the composition and the color scheme. I am eager to see the final piece. Keep us posted.

Linda Brandon · 05-12-2004, 10:12 AM

Valentino, this is wonderful and strong.

Could we talk you into turning this post into a Work-In-Progress progression? I would love to have the opportunity to pick your brain a little, something not really "allowed" in the Unveilings section.

Here's a sample question that I have: Was the furniture behind his head darker in fact, and did you lighten it to make his head more prominent?

Valentino Radman · 05-12-2004, 02:44 PM

Linda, I accept your suggestion, but the painting will take some time, since I intend to employ layered approach. Therefore, it might pass a week before a new photo is posted. Besides, I have to work on some other, non-portrait commissions.

Regarding your question: you

Valentino Radman · 05-12-2004, 02:51 PM

Btw, I have seen the pics from Bill Whitaker's most recent workshop at the SAS.
What one can say? Great maestro, great portrait and (last but not the least) - a great model.

Chris Saper · 06-02-2004, 05:20 PM

Dear Valentino,

My apologies for not getting to post earlier. I think this will be a fantastic piece! I think I agree with you on the cabinet being darker. If you find it looks a little lopsided, you could probably solve it with some darker wainscoting to connect the figure with the right vertical edge.

Valentino Radman · 06-17-2004, 04:09 PM

I

Allan Rahbek · 06-17-2004, 05:31 PM

Hi Valentino.

Thank you for sharing your painting process with us.

I think that you do right in moving the cabinet a little to the left to avoid the conflict with the Rectors head. This also make a better flow in the diagonal.

I hope that you will share many more of your thoughts along the way.

Allan