portrait in oil

[Jason Conway]

I just started an portrait in oil. I have never done a "dry" painting before. I was wondering if you guys could give me some pointers to doing this. I tried to create a mattte look by forming the oval with the fade at the bottom and lighter grey at the top. I have never done any kind of "wash" painting. Any help will be appreciated. Btw, this is my grandfather, who passed away last month. It's a long way from being finished.


You can get a bigger one at http://www.lcs.net/users/jconway/big_red.jpg

[This message has been edited by Jason Conway (edited January 21, 2000).]

[kemshmi]

hi again Jason,

it looks like you have gotten a nice start on this!!..I am not a formal portrait painter so it would be hard for me to give you any tips, and it would not be "fair" to critique a piece that is so far from completion..keep going!!

good luck with it
kemshmi

[irene clark]

Hi Jason,
I like this painting very much, just as is.
My first impression before I even read that he was your passed grandfather, was that I was viewing a heavenly being. Probably because he has an unearthly glow enveloping his form, giving the skin tone an angelic nature. Supernatural, so to speak.
Well done! I'm impressed whenever I see a realistic oil portrait. I usually do mine in pencil and sometimes chalk pastels.
sincerely
Irene Clark with a heart for art.

[Jason Conway]

I have gotten some suggestions by email and wanted to pass these along. My oval effect is not going to work because it is off-center. See below:

http://www.lcs.net/users/jconway/red3.jpg

I am thinking I might want to darken the backgound a little and do the whole torso. Like this:

http://www.lcs.net/users/jconway/red2.jpg

Let me know what you think about this modification.


[This message has been edited by Jason Conway (edited January 25, 2000).]

[henrik]

I did not like the oval effect (off center or not). I like the second one much better.

[kayemme]

the second image is much better than the first, but i'd still move him over to the right just a bit..
be careful of symmetry. it's relatively boring. and that's the last thing you want. boring is passed on.
great improvement!!

[irene clark]

Hi there!
I also prefer the second portrait.
Terrific improvement.
Irene


[This message has been edited by irene clark (edited January 27, 2000).]

[Phyllis Rennie]

I also think the one without the oval effect is much better. Will be watching for future versions of this--you've got a good start. He looks like he had a warm and interesting personality.