next to last beard

[djstar]

<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/User/bigbeard.jpg" border=0>

Please disregard the right side of the picture.
I scanned it in three runs and just ran out of oomph so I digitized it. Close but not exactly.
It is another not my favorites, and why I am posting is general confusion. I seem to get the best feedback from the stuff I am almost painting over.
The color is so washed out to me. I hate painting on a clean white canvas and this was BIG, 12 x 16 and the model was really nice - an impressive Eastern European who had a great name he repeated a few times and I never got. A BEAR of a guy.
I think it is too washed out, but there is a great sense of weight I like.
I have no idea how to actually repair and repaint.
Honestly, is there a prep on dry pictures to start again? I thought I would try glazes once and they sort of slipped around and I stopped.
From the QUEEN of alla prima, give advice on how to throw on more oil and be happy!
dj*
(almost put a frowny face up, but I decided a "?" is more appropriate!)

[beauxman]

What's wrong with this? You have a very rare ability to capture people from the inside out. On your last post you conveyed a very spiritual quality in your sitter. On this post you capture a person who looks very cerebral. Rembrandt had this ability, so did Rubens and Titian. That's not bad company to keep.
Wonderful job!

[jerryW]

Your color complexes transition so harmoniously from one region to another that it is astounding.
e.g.
Standing back one can see face, hair, and shirt; up close you can slowly follow the hair right down into the shirt and never even detect the change. (excellent open form - maybe that is why the faces are so naturally expressive)
Too bad about the right edge, you might need a different method of getting the pix into your puter.
great work!

[henrik]

I like this portrait - but you are right it feels a bit weak. I think it can be improved by changing to a darker backround. Here is a version with a dark blue/green background. I also made the lower right part of the shirt darker and made the beard lighter. I put some yellow on the shirt and in the background and a little bit on the face.
<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/User/bigbeard-hl2.jpg" border=0>

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Visit my gallery at Artistnation (http://www.artistnation.com/members/paris/henrik)

[cagathoc]

This is wonderful! Henrik's suggestions are excellent.

[LdyBiss]

Henrik's suggestions are right on, go with them.

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"You want the ecstacy so you have to take the hangover"
Hesse

LdyBiss
aka
Sandra. M. Smith

[TeAnne]

I enjoy your paintings a lot. I with I could do portraits like that, with so much character.

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THE HIT LIST (http://members.iinet.net.au/~fireice/List.html)
I give back what I receive

[simon levenson]

I prefer the original painting. You are strong artist. p.s. i like the purples in the shirt.
Simon

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S.levenson

[Impulse]

SUPERLATIVE DJ!!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif I understand what Henrik has done but I much prefer the mood of your original. YOU ARE DEFINITELY A HOT SHOT!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/wink.gif

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If the individual is ever to come under the power of the ideal to the extent of believing that his concrete longings and needs are to be found in it -- found moreover in a state of fulfillment and gratification, then the ideal must give the illusion of granting present satisfaction. It is this illusory reality that neither philosophy nor religion can attain. Only art achieves it - in the medium of beauty.... Herbert Marcuse, Negations

[arteitaliana]

You are right, DJ, I find it a bit washed out also. It needs darks.The fact that the back of the head is flush with the edge of the canvas also has me puzzled. Why do you do so many profiles?

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http://www.geocities.com:80/SoHo/Exhibit/1799/index.html

[taghera]

Wonderful, and with Henrik's suggestions majestic

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If we were all geniuses we wouldn't need each other----------would we?

[beauxman]

Wow!

[djstar]

HA HA! Rita! The profile thing is easy: When you are running late you have to shove the easel against the wall and take the last space in the room - usually the profile and sometimes up against the wall, as this one was.
Thanks, you hit on it.
I am not kidding, however, I really would like some input or reference as to the techinques in putting oil over dry paint.
It seems wrong when I do it. Send websites or tutorial as to the HOW of it all. I am freaked enough of not having a model, but the picture after it dries seems to fight me.

Thanks so much for all of your complements.
I don't think I will be painting....well, until Monday, so I will try hard to read more and try to let those of you who I really admire know how much your comments mean to me!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
dj*

[arteitaliana]

I really would like some input or reference as to the techinques in putting oil over dry paint

Maybe I am stating the obvious....Have you tried covering the dried surface with a thin layer of medium before starting to paint? http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

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http://www.geocities.com:80/SoHo/Exhibit/1799/index.html

[djstar]

You may be, but that is the sort of stuff I am stuck on....does a layer have to set for a while to soften it or is that all it needs?
I tried what I thought was glazing on one and it eventually worked, but it didn't grab, probably I wanted it to feel like pastel.
I wiped a little linseed oil on one, is that enough or should I use specific medium?
Thanks, obvious is good!!!

[JaneS]

Originally posted by djstar:
Honestly, is there a prep on dry pictures to start again? I thought I would try glazes once and they sort of slipped around and I stopped.


...I feel your pain...lol... Frustration with this is why I gave up with oils. Refreshing with medium is the only recommendation that I ever heard to try, but it never gave me the ability to reblend my edges the way I really craved. I think you have captured weight, if that is what you were after. He has a real presence under that shirt...in his face, too! ---Jane

[arteitaliana]

A thin layer of linseed oil is good....paint right on it, does not have to dry, otherwise you will be painting on a dry surface again...!! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

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http://www.geocities.com:80/SoHo/Exhibit/1799/index.html