Danielle

Geri Comicz · 03-15-2002, 09:02 AM

Hi,

I am new to your forum. This is only my second post. I think I will just dive in.

As usual for me, I have taken upon myself a new medium, pastel, and new subject area, portrait. Both at the same time which I never seem to take and easy route. But, here I am.

I live in an area where there is no access to lessons or schools for portraiture. The closest would be 2 to 3 hour trips each way. Due to work scheduling and a mom with alzheimer in my care, I cannot do the traveling that would be required.

I have been trying to study on my own, for about a year now, with the use of much reading and many books and feel I have reached an impassable point that I do need help.

Please look at my daughters portrait and see if your might be able to help me. Thanks for looking and/or commenting. geri

Meredith Wagenknecht · 03-15-2002, 10:38 AM

Geri....I find this to be wonderful! Just my humble opinion, from a fellow pastellist. I'm not good at this critiqueing thing (don't feel I'm qualified enough to do so), but thought I'd offer my "gut instincts". The only thing that jumps out at me is the flat black of your beautiful daughter's blouse. My eye is drawn to it and I'd suggest using a deep and dark burgundy/maroon/blue/purple/green....something other than black. Also, I LOVE the quality of the lines (especially in her hair), and the way they carry my gaze...I'd suggest using the same boldness of line in rendering her blouse, to suggest folds...but, maybe run the strokes in the opposite direction? Otherwise....beautiful work! Keep it up!

Karin Wells · 03-15-2002, 10:39 AM

Very nice. You did soooo many things right in this portrait... I especially like your cool halftones and overall composition. I think that you have a lot of talent and am impressed that you can do so well in a new medium with new subject matter.

There were many years where I was sandwiched between caring for a mom with alzheimer's and my own small children...it wasn't easy. Looking back on that time of my life, I realize how much that experience shaped me in a positive way as the artist I have become. BTW, after she died, the very first portrait I ever painted was of my mother http://www.kcwells.com/ruth2.htm

Even though you work in isolation, I'd like to think that you will seriously continue to develop your skills. There are posts on this forum about self-study with the Old Masters and I urge you to check them out.

Geri Comicz · 03-15-2002, 04:24 PM

Meredith,

Thank you so much for your positive reply. I did forget to mention in my original post that the portrait was not complete. And the areas are the ones mentioned. My daughter wore a black sweater that day. I just didn't take it any further then what is there. Even incomplete, your reaction made my day. Thank you.

Karen,

Thank you so much for responding. One of my greatest pleasures is searching the internet for the Old Masters. And studying their application and strokes. I find it as an invaluable learning tool. At the moment I am tremendously enjoying Mary Cassatt.

I am so sorry for the loss your mom. It is an illness that no human should have to endure. I viewed your portrait of your mom. It is done with great love, respect and tremendous ability. Thank you for sharing. Geri

Leopoldo Benavidez · 03-15-2002, 05:04 PM

Geri, all I can add so far is, you are on your way, if not there already! Wonderful!...L

Joseph Brzycki · 03-15-2002, 08:20 PM

Let me get this straight....
Youv'e been studying from only books for just a year? I think this protrait is amazing. I think your portrait is so powerful that you could have just left it alone with out the black sweater. This piece reminds me of the picture I'm attaching. Notice the gestural lines that the artist has used for the remaining composition. Also, there's a white line under your daughter's right eye that really caught my attention. Maybe you could tone it down, especially in the right corner of the lid. If what you say is true about only learning from books I am seriously impressed. I look foward to seeing more of your work.

Lon Haverly · 03-16-2002, 02:48 AM

Geri, I am so very moved by your persistence during a very hard time for you. I am so convinced that if we do what is right in serving others at our own expense, God will nurture the gifts He has given us.

This is a very strong drawing. The lines are beautiful and strong. The form is great. Detailed where detail is needed, ambiguity where it is needed. I know who your real Teacher is.

Geri Comicz · 03-16-2002, 07:30 AM

Leopoldo, Thank you for your encouragement. I feel that I am lacking something and am not yet there. I have something in my minds eye, I can't put it into words which makes it very frustrating, when I do it, I will know (I hope!!) and then I will be there. But until then, I will keep plugging along.

Joseph, Thank you for your suggestion. The right eye has been taken care of this very morning. And, looks so much better. The painting you included, who is the artist? I would like to view more. Perhaps you could provide a link?

Lon, Your comments are so generous. You know, since I was very little, I have known who my teacher was and I would not have changed a thing. Thank you for noticing and understanding. Geri

Joseph Brzycki · 03-16-2002, 09:44 AM

The artist's name is Tim Iverson.

Joseph Brzycki · 03-16-2002, 12:57 PM

I must have missed something somewhere because I am wondering who you are referring to as your real "TEACHER". I suppose you are talking about GOD or yourself, but thought I would ask to make sure.