Workshop Painting

Enzie Shahmiri · 01-17-2007, 01:28 PM

I had the great pleasure of attending Marvin Mattelson's Atlanta Workshop Jan2-9th, 2007 and did this painting of Stephanie in three days.

One day was spent doing the wash-in and two days applying color. I am not exactly what one would call a speedy painter and I do not consider this painting done as of yet either, but I wanted to share with everyone the wonderful teaching technique of Marvin, that has allowed me to get this far in such a short amount of time.

This has been my second workshop with Marvin and as a "Repeat Offender" as he jokingly calls his former students, I was able to gain new insights into his working methods.

Marvin leaves no stone unturned, he explains his methods and pushes you to "see" beyond the obvious. He made me realize that as an artist, you not only have to know your tools and their application, but you have to make calculated choices to sometimes sacrifice one convention of another. The painting and not the reference dictates what it needs and it is up to the artist to push as far as possible to create an illusion of three dimensionality and breathe life into the work.

As always, Marvin, I will be forever greatful for what you have taught me!

Marina Dieul · 01-17-2007, 02:02 PM

Great painting, Enzie !
I love the choice of your composition, it adds something more contemporary.
The three dimentionality and the breath of life are here.
good job!

David Draime · 01-17-2007, 02:11 PM

Enzie

This is really, really good! And the fact that it was done from life in just three days is all the more impressive. You seem to be growing as an artist by leaps and bounds. It's great that you have found a teacher that you can connect with, and who can help you to discover new ways of painting - and new ways of seeing. Superb!

David

Linda Brandon · 01-17-2007, 07:04 PM

Enzie, this is really lovely and I agree with what David just posted- Marvin's method has really "clicked" with you. Very impressive work!

Julie Deane · 01-17-2007, 10:51 PM

Enzie -

I dropped in on the workshop on a "wash-in" day, so I didn't get to see the final results. Very nice! I can attest that you have gotten the model's likeness too (wasn't she great?) Congratulations on a job well done!

Chris Saper · 01-17-2007, 11:54 PM

Dear Enzie,

You have been working very hard and it really shows! I am thrilled for you to see so much advancement!

Cynthia Daniel · 01-18-2007, 02:29 AM

Well done, Enzie!

Enzie Shahmiri · 01-18-2007, 10:48 AM

Thank you everyone!

Dear Marina, sometimes it pays to start over. My first wash-in was more centered and I ended up making the model look much younger. On the second try, I used the view finder and moved around a lot until a more appealing composition presented itself. I am happy to hear that you like it.

Dear David, yes Marvin's method works for me, because he not only believes in the work of the same artists that I adore, but he has found a way that is easy to follow for people like me that have plenty of those "senior moments".

Dear Julie, Stephanie was a wonderful model. Not only was she very professional, but also extremely nice. I am happy to hear that you think the painting looks like her.

Dear Linda, Chris and Cynthia, thank you so much for your kind words!

Mischa Milosevic · 01-18-2007, 06:00 PM

Hello Enzie!! This is looking grate! I am so lost for words at the moment but I am so happy for you.

Alexandra Tyng · 01-18-2007, 06:18 PM

Enzie, this is really, really impressive! I agree with all the above comments. The painting shows skill and confidence on a new level. And the personality of the subject really dominates the painting.