"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Robert Hughes - Portrait Practice

Robert Hughes / oil on cardboard / 16 x 14
 Recently having purchased a used copy of the book The Shock of the New by Robert Hughes, after reading it cover to cover, I decided to try my hand at painting a portrait of the author from a photo. As it is only a practice study, I decided to use a piece of cardboard as my support. As cardboard is slightly rough textured and quite absorbent, I love painting on it now and again!



Robert Hughes was a well known art critic for Time magazine and in 1980 he wrote this book after doing an 8 part BBC TV series of the same name. The book is a well written, engaging and provocative journey through the history of modern art from 1880 forward. It addresses the development of modernism from the Impressionists through Andy Warhol and is brutally honest with a delightful flair for the dramatic phrase! It's fascination for me is how Mr. Hughes relates each artist that he addresses to his time in history and how the major events of the time shaped their work. Its a dazzling book. He passed away last August and that is when I first heard about him and his book. In any case, reading his words inspired me to paint this quick portrait.
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17 comments:

  1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 9, 2013 at 12:27 PM

    I love this Susan What great volume you managed with such fresh and loose paint application.
    I love this book too.

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2013 at 7:14 PM

      I love doing portraits and need to do more of them. This one went quickly as I thoroughly enjoyed the "dryness" of the cardboard and the way it grabbed the paint. Thanks for your support, Julie.

      Delete
  2. Linda RothMay 9, 2013 at 12:32 PM

    Rough cardboard looks quite appropriate for Robert Hughes; He's looks rough. I'm sure he is. I love that book! I shlepped it home from New York on the plane. It was heavy, but great reading and viewing.

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2013 at 7:15 PM

      I think he must be a rough and tumble kind of guy, too, Linda. The book is so wonderful - I think I may need to re-read it in a few months time.

      Delete
  3. irinapicturesMay 9, 2013 at 1:23 PM

    I like so much what you do with your paint and brush. He looks so special and so alive.
    And thank you for the book, I will try to find and read it.

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2013 at 7:16 PM

      Thank you, Irina - I tried to get a good likeness but also to convey my impression of him as the author of this book. I hope you find it, Irina - its well worth reading.

      Delete
  4. art by Michael PerchardMay 9, 2013 at 6:51 PM

    Okay Celeste!
    A wondrous portrait and a very successful work of art!
    Love it!
    I very much enjoy seeing your unique and wonderful style and "you" in all your unique and beautiful art!
    Bravo!
    Michael

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  5. hmuxoMay 9, 2013 at 7:02 PM

    You did an amazing job with this portrait, Susan...its fantastic and on a cardboard...! Very impressive..!

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2013 at 7:17 PM

      Using cardboard as I support is very freeing. Also, I recently saw some of Toulouse Lautrec's oils on cardboard - that gave me confidence as it has been done before!

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  6. Sandra BusbyMay 10, 2013 at 6:10 AM

    Quick??? It's amazing!!!
    It's so nice when inspiration takes over isn't it? :0)

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2013 at 7:18 PM

      Yes, it does require inspiration to paint this quickly. Its nice to not struggle over every brushstroke once in a while! :)

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  7. Gatepost productionsMay 11, 2013 at 11:30 PM

    Love your portraits, Susan. You always get the personality of the subject.

    I'm going to try portraits soon. It should be entertaining - matchstick men are the best I have done before!

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2013 at 7:19 PM

      I can hardly wait to see your portraits, John - I have a feeling they will be astounding.

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  8. Wanda LoweryMay 20, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    The flesh colors used in his face are wonderful and I love the expression - neat that it is done on cardboard, I've not tried that.

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    1. SusanMay 23, 2013 at 7:21 PM

      Hi, Wanda and welcome to my blog - I think you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. It is much appreciated as are your kind words.

      Delete
  9. Diana Moses BotkinMay 24, 2013 at 12:41 AM

    What an interesting portrait, Susan! It's energetic, colorful and appears to be quite spontaneous.

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!

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