I decided that I would find images of artists whose work I admire, and then attempt to paint some of their portraits, for practice. I had a few photos of Pierre Bonnard, and thought I'd have a go at it. I like Aaron Shikler's assessment of portraiture (above!)I honestly think I AM learning to paint, but one of the biggest hindrances for me is that I can't draw to save my life! Hahaaa! I do think that if you have a good initial drawing, your painting has a pretty good chance of being a success...(or it at least has a much better probability of success.) (Note Bonnard's beautiful colors and lovely depictions of daily activities such as below:)
Needless to say, I can see tons of flaws in terms of accuracy here in my attempt: the shape of the face is wrong, the length of the nose is off, the eyes are set incorrectly within those glasses frames, the forehead, (which I adjusted and should have left as I'd originally sketched it,) is now too low, and the jawline isn't right. The shoulders are set wrong, (what the heck was I thinking!) the jacket lapels are totally out of wack, and so, given all these bits, the end result has wound up a totally different person,...
But...despite all of that, I'm still pleased with the overall portrait practice. This is a fun exercise, and I'm learning! And it's great practice. Let's just say I painted Bonnard's close cousin! Another of his beautiful paintings below:
Ted Nuttall warned us not to paint someone we know, because he said we'd set ourselves up for frustration. I realize people will tell me the artistic interpretation is what counts, and all that, but let's face it--if you're attempting to do a person's portrait, it'd be nice if there was at least a general likeness as the net result! But I'm not troubled by that here...if anything, I'm more amused.
I'm always fascinated by the way I'll makes lots of observations, as I'm sketching and painting, and yet the finished portrait winds up becoming a totally different person. (I'd like to attempt the photo above, as it's very clear and he's a different age here.)
Another beautiful Bonnard painting full of vibrant color--he often depicted views out of doors and windows from interior rooms:
"I presume, sir, in painting your beautiful portrait, you took your idea of me from my principles, and not from my person." (--Abraham Lincoln)
16 comments:
First, you can draw, Sue! You draw very well.
Second, I recognized Bonnard immediately--not that I think that matters! I really don't (unless it's a commissioned portrait, and even then--well, who wants an exact representation of themselves?)
I'm coming to see people (which I used to avoid at all costs) as the most fascinating subject: the subject + your sensibility/feeling/rendering = art.
That was quick! Laura, you're so kind! I admit I'm becoming fascinated with the attempt at figures/faces, and I intend to keep at it. It's a great exercise if nothing else. Thanks for the encouragement! It's good for me to critique where I "went wrong," as I think it helps me "see" better the next time.
Your paintings are wonderful Sue! I love this one. I think it looks like him. But heres a tip in drawing. Turn your subject photo upside down and draw it. You wont then be drawing the person but what the lines instead. It scrambles the brain to SEE instead of THINK you see. Keep up this good work. Practice makes perfect. Your colors are wonderful.
You are under estimating your talent, dear. You did a wonderful job on that portrait. Just remember, you can look into three mirrors and seem a bit different in each; one thinner, one fatter, one a big nose. I've witnessed this experience many times. What you reflect back in your painting is from the mirror of your soul; your reflection of the person at that time. Like the equation Laura posted in her comment. Trust yourself and you'll be "a fine artist."
Yeah, yeah--I hear all of you, but I think let's face it--if we're doing a portrait, it'd be nice to see somewhat of a likeness! Haaaa!
Cris, I've done the upside down drawing--yes, it does help. Thanks!
About getting a likeness, it's funny, we all have the same parts placed within centimeters of everyone elses parts and yet each face is so distinct. I always try to concentrate most on where the elements fall in relation to each other. I find a pattern, maybe I'll draw a triagle from the two pupils down to the tip of the nose. I find if I don't get the parts in the right place all the rendering in the world won't save it.
That's a great "tip," Larry, and I'll bet that goes far for making someone look "right!" thanks!
You are way too self-critical! This painting is hightly successful...maybe you should wait a few days to look at it!
Thanks, Jeanette. Maybe...anyway, I'm fine with it, but I would like to learn to get SOME kind of a likeness in a portrait. I'll keep at it!
A great success
DD always used to say,
"You MUST lose the subject".
I think yr doing just fine.
Turn off the voices in yr head and it will go easier.
Rome wasn't built in a day ya know...
:)
Just wonderful! Lovely capture, Sue!
Sue, You can draw with your brush. Your paintings are wonderful to me, I'm teaching myself to do this art adventure I'm on and your blog brings so much to me. Your class with Ned was wonderful to read and learn from. So do not underestimate your work . And bring more I just wish I could of learned from this class with Ned how do you start your portraits? Have a great day,
Linda
Thanks, everyone, for all the encouragement. I will keep trying. True--Rome was not built in a day...you're so right, Carol.
Can't draw?! You sure fooled me! LOL This portrait of Pierre Bonnard is excellent. He is one of my favorites. I love his sense of color and patterns as well as his elevation of the "everyday" to art.
I love Bonnard's sense of color and his warmth, his use of light, and his tablescapes--they always tell such a story.
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