Self when I had more hair!

Leopoldo Benavidez · 03-13-2002, 08:13 PM

Okay Mike, here it is! This was done in 1989, my first and only self portrait. I wouldn't make a very good Rembrandt follower would I? One of these days I'll attempt another. Its the old chiaroscuro attempt, fumbling along trying to follow the great master of them all, Caravaggio.

There are alot of mistakes but alot was learned from from the light in dark process. One side of the face is lost too much in shadow and the shirt has too many unsure paint strokes. Okay guys please jump in. I am curious what you guys see.

Leopoldo Benavidez · 03-13-2002, 08:16 PM

A closer look!

Chris Saper · 03-13-2002, 09:42 PM

Dear Leopoldo,

Okay, here is what I see. First, on the canvas: notwithstanding your own reasoned critique, I also see a dramatic use of light, a commanding composition, and a great pose. Second, on the painting: I see a man I would like to know (actually I am not making a pass, I am the most happily married woman I have ever met), and an expression that is engaging.

Although your tiny bio photo is hard to see clearly, I am sure that your next self-portrait (paint one!) will be much more. Paint it.

In the "Introduce yourself" thread, there is an invitation to post self-portraits. If you will, I will, and I hope everyone else will, too.

Regards, Chris

Steven Sweeney · 03-13-2002, 10:28 PM

Quote:

In the "Introduce yourself" thread, there is an invitation to post self-portraits. If you will, I will, and I hope everyone else will, too.

Yes, everyone, please do. It's kinda lonely up there.

Steven

Leopoldo Benavidez · 03-13-2002, 10:59 PM

Sounds good to me Chris, if you go first! I'll have to think about this one with my past and all! Steve does need some company up there.

Mark Gil · 03-13-2002, 11:21 PM

Leopoldo, I really like your expression in this painting. Too dark on one side of face...I did the same thing with a portrait of my daughter. Working with the dramatics of dark and light extremes are facinating. But looking in your close-up, the only thing I would do is soften the line between the right side of your chin and cheek.

I have a self portrait (posted in critiques a good while back) I will post in "Introduce Yourself"...give Steven some company.

Mark Gil

Lon Haverly · 03-14-2002, 11:56 PM

I like everything about it. It is better to just leave well enough alone sometimes. It is daring to put strong darks in a portrait, and here it works well, in my view. It would just be odd not to have strong darks here. Great work!

Leopoldo Benavidez · 03-15-2002, 04:47 PM

Thanks for looking and sharing your views guys!

Chris, after tackling my son Bracken it has left me in the portait mood. I haven't done very many and there are always lessons learned when doing that are kept fresh when one stays with the same subject matter. For now my wife has me tweaking convention a little by doing something that is edgy, at least for my style, by attempting a large painting of my dog Buster ascending into heaven with angel wings, halo and all! A posthumous portrait of my father is next, some family members and probably last for now the self!

Thanks Mark and Lon for stepping in!

Mike, The painting is 18x24 linen. I set up a delayed camera on a tri-pod and hurried in front of it in a dark bedroom with a sliver of light coming in by the window.