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| Renoir as an Old Man / 20x1 / oil on artboard |
Experimenting with a new support from Canson called Artboard and I like it very much. Renoir was painted from an old black and white photo showinghim seated in his studio. I was fascinated with his hands which were completely crippled and distorted as a result of severe arthritis. I just could not bring myself to paint them however. I read recently that he actually tied brushes to his hands in order to paint when he could no longer hold a brush.
I am so glad I saw this one. I never realized how good looking he must have been when younger because he certainly has aged well in this one.
ReplyDeleteOnce again the eyes are really alive. You must really have a love of the portrait to capture so much expression - especially from an old photograph.
I also had been told he had his brushes tied to his hands. One of the art dedication stories I remember from years ago.
He had such an interesting face. I painted him in his younger days a while back - I guess his face just fascinates me!
DeleteSusan, a brilliant portrait of Renoir. So life like. All the best Susan.
ReplyDeleteVic
Its always a challenge to paint a portrait from a black and white photo - however it does provide the artist a lot of interpretive freedom!
DeleteOutstanding my friend! Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteHi, Suz! So happy to hear from you and thank you for your kind words!
DeleteJulie took the words right out of my mouth. He was a good looking gentleman and you did a wonderful job with his lovely beard. I also heard that story about brushes being strapped to his arm, but I thought it was Monet? Maybe both suffered with arthritic hands? Luckily, a lot of drawing and painting is done from the shoulder. My thumb is starting to act up.
ReplyDeleteTaking your advice to heart, I called the art association. It seems figurative open studio time is only available during the 'school year.' I didn't know I was supposed to be on vacation!
Sorry about the lack of summer life sessions in your area, Linda. I guess I am really lucky to have so many opportunities and I try to take advantage of as many as possible!
DeleteWhat a beautiful, intense and determined-looking man. The eyes in your painting hold my attention so closely.
ReplyDeleteKathryn
His face has fascinated me throughout all stages of his life.
DeleteI've read the same thing about Renoir and his brushes. It's both sad and inspiring... artists paint til the very end!
ReplyDeleteThe photo of his hands was really astonishing - they were extremely deformed by the time he was this age. It is very inspiring to me.
DeleteAmazing technique here which turns into emotions and charms something deep inside me. His eyes are so live and attentive. Brava.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your heart felt response to this painting, Irina!
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