Click Here to Bid (6x12in. - click image to enlarge!)
Hello! This is a painting I did a couple of months ago. It's a scene I stumbled upon here in Eugene a while back. I loved the colors of the house. I meant to post it a few weeks ago, but kept putting it off.
Meanwhile, after a couple weeks of no painting at all (letting my fields lie fallow), I got a text from a friend who owns a gallery here in town. She suggested a small show next year. With new stuff. All larger than my normal work. At first I said no, but then I realized it would get me out of my rut. Give me motivation to paint the things I've been wanting to but have been too afraid.
The main thing I've been wanting to paint but haven't because of fear is...people. Not like portraits necessarily, but faces, up close. So I started with my son, as an experiment. I was terrified that it wouldn't look like him, but I think it really does. If you know him, please write and reassure me on this. I'll post a better picture later. It's 16x16 inches. Here are a few progress shots. The first one is just a bad image.
38 comments:
I LOVE the portrait of your son and it is good news to hear you will be taking on a show. I think you are in for some fun.
What a nice surprise to see your email in my Inbox this morning, and what an interesting insight into your thinking. I really like this restrained, quiet painting. There's depth and character in his face and demeanour - a little bit shy, a little bit bold, a lot of warmth and fun, kindness and sensitivity - well, that's what I read into it anyway. Loved seeing your limited (Zorn?) palette.
First of all Carol...Happy Thanksgiving to your family and friends from Lincolnshire, England.
I don't know your son but these images are really great. I love all three...the blocking in one is also fabulous. Full of expression. I confess to being 'nervous' about doing portraits or any people life drawings. You have inspired me to get on with it and have a go.
Best regards, Anne Wood.
It definitely looks like Jacob! And it's a beautiful painting. And you never fail at anything you attempt!
Carol, I don't know your son but I love the painting. It has life is full of expression. Love the pose, the hands, the palette you used. It is a successful painting, nothing to be afraid of, that's for sure!!!
I don't know your son, but rest assured this is a wonderful painting! I love the quiet 'attitude' in his stance. You're ready to roll!!
Hi, Carol,
It's beautiful! I don't know how much it looks like him but his personality came through. That look as if he saying "I don't want my picture taken." The way you started intrigues me - a cool tone. So what colors are you using and what is your process especially at the beginning? Thanks for sharing!
Oh my gosh, Carol-this painting of your son is stunning. I can't stop studying it. I don't him, but feel I do. You've captured something magical here. More, please!
Great job painting your son. It shows you have no boundaries. The first image is my favorite, loose and emotional; a great image with just a few strokes.
Carol, I do not know your son but have seen the camping and hiking pictures of him that you have posted. This portrait is glorious! Here's hoping you are allowing yourself to be over the moon about it. Bravo and way to go kicking fear in the nuts! Happy Thanksgiving and so grateful for your generosity in sharing your outer and inner work.
Carol, I don't know your son, but in any case, you did a super job with this painting. All the skills you have built up thuru years of hard work on still life and other subjects show thru here. The painting has strength and personality. You should paint what you are excited to paint. Obviously you can do this and will only get better as you continue to grow. So while you may feel some fear,consider its just voices from the past in your head. It bears no relationship to reality. FEAR ,they say, stands for False Evidence Appearing Real . You have an opportunity to let go of that limiting belief and be free to paint what you want, how you want. Happy Thanksgiving. And may 2016 be your year of Fearless Painting. Paint on!
Hi Carol-
As a huge fan of your work and your book, and a psychologist who teaches creativity seminars and recommends your book to artists and anyone frozen in fear for whatever reason - I'm thrilled to see you taking this leap publicly. Not surprised at all that the work is already beautiful. I can't comment on likeness, but it already has soul, mystery, depth and life. I can see an entirely new color direction for you, and the skin tones, always so challenging, are gorgeous.
Don't know if you've read Elizabeth Gilbert's new book about creativity called Big Magic. It's wonderful- and she has a great little chapter called "Road Trip" in which she says that fear and creativity are like conjoined twins - fear going into high gear trying to protect you from danger (falling, failure etc) the second creativity threatens mischief by noodling around in something new and interesting. There's an inspiring talk she gives to fear whenever she's embarking on a creative project - essentially telling fear it's welcome on the bus, since it's part of the family, but it's under no circumstances allowed to drive. All of which is to say -- "you go girl!" -Ruth Kalb
I have followed you for years now. You can paint anything. This is just lovely, even me using lovely for a boy. I have 4 sons. Wonderful painting.
As a fan just go for it! Another Carol in NM.
Wow, I don't know what you're afraid of Carol! It's all in your mind, lol. This is a fabulous portrait!
WOW is what came out of my mouth when I saw the portrait images from your post last night. THEN I read about your fear of painting people and requesting feedback on whether this looks like your son. The painting is just perfection in my book and even though I only "know" your son through your posts of family, you appear to have captured him perfectly…even the slight hint of mischief in his eyes! Beautiful...
P.S. I always wanted to see more of your "funny face" series, too - you have it going on with faces!
A-Mazing! I look forward to seeing this in person at the Gallery!
Okay, I'm afraid of painting people because I suck at it! You could paint a rock and it would be beautiful. Wonderful portrait!
Yay! Congrats on the show and on your personal determination to take on the fears (that do haunt us all!) This painting is SUCH a great start - it captures both Jacob's likeness AND his cute little personality! Fabulous work, Carol - I'm excited to see more!
Yes, the gallery thing is just what you need to push you out of your comfort zone and You are so right about the fear of failure thing.
I know Jacob and this looks just like him.
Your drawing is always so accurate, Carol.
I'm glad you are back. The show proposal sounds great and challenging, which is why you'll do it.
I love it, Carol! I love that you have captured what he was thinking/his inner self instead of just the exterior. Be not afraid and paint on!!
This is wonderful! Thank you for the inspiration! Reading your book and blog posts makes me want to fight my own fears and paint. Keep painting! I love the beauty that you see in the world. Thank you for showing to us!
I think it is great that you...
1. admit when you are afraid or have blocks
2. ask for help/input about it.
3. I think your son’s portrait is developing beautifully. I especially enjoy the way you are able to get a sense of personality and emotion in there. I think that is truly what makes a strong portrait. Personality built on strong technique.
Finally (so number 4. I guess) I have LOVED using your book this fall to teach value and composition to my design foundation students at a local community college. Good luck (which I do not think you really need) in your show!
Best, Kathy
Your portrait of your son is just beautiful work, the initial lay-in captures the likeness simply and immediately, and then all the warmth you add to the cool underpainting creates a marvelous finished painting, rich and full of character. I don't see why you would need to begin with any fear at all; it seems you have a handle on all the right things.
It is a beautiful painting although not knowing him, I cannot comment on the likeness. If you think it does then it does!
Really lovely.
You are better than you realize! This is really fantastic. I don't know your son, but his personality is coming through. And your technique & colors are beautifully done. Do the show!!!!
I just wanted to say, I love this painting of your son.
I don't know your darling son but I LOVE the painting!!! Great going!!!
Re: the painting of your son.... What exactly is it you're afraid of??? Seriously????
It's wonderful.
Sheesh....
And congrats on your upcoming show.
I am lucky enough to know Jacob very well and think the painting is stunning! How did you capture that natural sense of reticence he sometimes has, along with a very grounded essence of "Jacobness"? Love the mirth and challenge I see in his eyes. :-)
It takes bravery to just jump in like this. Well done on not letting fear hold you back! Now... to not let the praise make you worried about your next foray! Big hugs from one of your biggest fans. xo
I remember the wonderful painting you did of your step daughter when she was young. It was stunning and I could tell you had an eye for capturing the essence of the personality. You have done the same here with Jacob. Yes - it looks like what I have seen in the photos but there is a special something...
Brilliant. I can only imagine what you would do it you did portraits all the time.
Know no fear - do the show.
Hey Carol,
I saw the portrait images of Jake and before I read your text I thought, "Wow Jake's really grown." Hmm, reading your text, "I was terrified that it wouldn't look like him," I hope my observation answers any doubts. Your work is so fine. -Bruce
Stunning. Masterly.
I think you'll do well with painting emotion and mood within a portrait. You have sufficient talent to succeed in whatever subject you choose...so long as you remain motivated.
I love this painting!! People are my favorite but I struggle with mixing skin tones. Can you talk about what colors you used here for skin tone?
Thank you all so so much!!!
Calmil2, I use a limited palette: titanium white, cad yellow, cad red med, alizarin crimson, ult blue, phthalo blue and burnt umber. I mix my skin tones from these, minus the burnt umber. The more you mix the better you get!!! : )
Nicely done. Strong technique and interesting strokes and pose. Thanks for sharing!
Post a Comment