Wednesday, June 11, 2008

"Antonio"


18" x 24" oil on canvas

This was a new painting challenge for me. Everett Raymond Kinstler, one of America's premier portrait artists, was in Richmond to jury a show at Brazier Fine Art Gallery, and was also to teach a one-day workshop in portrait painting. I've admired his work for many years, not only his portrait painting but his early cartoon and illustration work, so I didn't hesitate to sign up for the class. Ray began the day with a quick, thirty-minute portrait of a young lady that was, to say the least, terrific! After that, we were to pick a model and get to work. I suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to run out the door . . . I had no idea what to do, or how to even begin. I looked around and everyone else was happily throwing paint on their canvases, so I did likewise, not really knowing what the heck I was doing. Ray came by several times during the morning, offering advice and constructive criticism. When we broke for lunch, I felt more confident, so the afternoon session went much better. At the end of the day, I felt like my first, and so far, only oil portrait painted from life, was not bad. And being taught by Ray Kinstler was a wonderful experience.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Very impressive. Painting from "real" life is a challenge. This is very convincing - you really captured things well!

- Matt