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

Monday, January 5, 2015

Shonnard Family

Shonnard Family / oil on canvas 16x20 
Something about the start of this triple portrait called to me as I viewed it on my easel and so I decided to bring it to completion using a reference photograph that I took during the session last Wednesday morning. I generally don't go back to portraits I do from life for several reasons - one is that I consider my oil sketches done there to be a learning experience and to stand alone as such and, secondly, photographs never have the same color, intensity of shadow or nuances of expression that are apparent when painting from life. And many of my previous attempts to complete life portraits in the studio have resulted in pure disaster. My Wednesday morning goals are usually to try to capture a likeness, depict something of the character of the model and to bring what I have learned back to my studio work. That being said, I decided to go ahead and finish this work and I am happy with that decision. I would be very interested to hear what you think! Here are a few close ups:
Detail 1

Detail 2
 And a quick still life (it has been ages and ages since I painted a still life) as I just love the color and vitality of this arrangement.
Exuberance of Appearance / oil on Masonite / 14x18
Addendum:
I just found out that two of my Christmas paintings are being featured on a website that originates out of New York called Cricket's Crush as Holiday Gift Ideas for The Art Collector. Here is a link for those who might want to check it out - Cricket's Crush
Pretty exciting stuff!
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21 comments:

  1. Gatepost productionsJanuary 5, 2015 at 12:11 PM

    I can see why you would make an exception and bring this one to a finish, Susan.

    They are such an and interesting group. Whilst the males are focused on events, it is the standing woman that catches our attention. Whilst they are casual, in both dress and 'attitude' ... she is above all that: her mind is on a higher plain and her dress is of a higher class. She stands aloof.

    As a painting it's far more than a painted image. Love it!

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:56 PM

      There is a big smile is on my face as I read your words, John - to be a portrait painter in my minds eye, is to attempt go beyond the obvious likeness of the sitter. In order to be somewhat successful at that, I find that it helps to feel a certain reverence for the subject - sometimes I easily feel that reverence, sometimes not at all. This grouping put me into that zone and I approached the challenge with eagerness. This level of emotion stayed with me as I completed the portrait from a photo - something I could not have done if I had not had the original connection. Many, many thanks for your encouraging words.

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  2. Gatepost productionsJanuary 5, 2015 at 12:14 PM

    Oh ... and the still life is wonderful. I love the way the blooms all but fade away into the background

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  3. Bruce ShermanJanuary 5, 2015 at 2:51 PM

    Good evening Susan!... You completed the "triple" with panache and lively bravura!

    Your crisp brushwork and subtle modeling of tones and form make this a standout portrait performance. You wistfully reveal as much about interior character... as you do the physical exterior. A thoughtful rendering.

    What are they thinking?... springs to mind as one scans the painting surface.

    Bravo!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:51 PM

      Many thanks, Bruce - your comments mean a great deal to me as one of my goals in painting from life is to try and capture more about the sitter or sitters than immediately meets the eye. That does not always happen but I think this grouping offered that opportunity to me. Thank you for your encouraging words. I also want you to know that I enjoy visiting your site not only to see your beautiful paintings but to read your thoughtful commentary. The effort that goes into making your blog so intersting and enjoyable is greatly appreciated.

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  4. hmuxoJanuary 5, 2015 at 7:03 PM

    I love the portrait. Painting one is a challenge three is truly amazing!! Thank you for sharing the close up details with us.. I always like to see that.. I enjoy my Friday life drawing class. I never thought I would like it but I do see things differently ....and definitely different from drawing from a photo! and your still life is wonderful....Happy New Year, Susan...I still can't believe we're in 2015!!

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:45 PM

      It's just about a year ago that I began taking oil paints to the life sessions. I do see a bolstering of my confidence but I also see so much that I need to strive toward. I have found the life sessions to be absolutely addicting - every week a new challenge presents itself. I am thrilled that you are going to life drawing sessions, Hilda - there is nothing else like drawing and painting from life. I predict you will love it as much as I do!

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  5. Studio at the FarmJanuary 5, 2015 at 8:20 PM

    I like the "finished" work, Susan. To me, it still has the freshness and strength of the life class painting,but has gone beyond that to give it a "je ne sais quoi"
    Or maybe it's just that I generally prefer a more finished look???
    Kathryn

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:42 PM

      I am glad you like it Kathryn. As I step back and look at it a few days later, I see all the flaws. But it is what it is and now onward to the next thing. Lessons learned are invaluable!

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  6. martinealisonJanuary 5, 2015 at 8:35 PM

    Bonjour ma chère Susan,

    Je pense que tu as eu raison d'achever cette peinture. La lumière qui vient caresser chacun de tes personnages apporte un très joli contraste.
    La jeune femme est élément phare dans cette peinture. Elle toute seule pourrait mener la danse. Toutefois la présence des deux autres personnages crée un certain mystère autour d'elle.
    J'aime beaucoup !

    Ah ! les bouquets ! tout comme toi, il y a une éternité que je n'en ai pas peint !... Toutefois ils sont un excellent exercice au niveau de la technique ! Je travaille les fleurs de la même manière que mes drapés !...

    Toutes mes félicitations en ce qui concerne la publication de ton oeuvre et cela est bien mérité !

    Gros bisous ♡

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:40 PM

      Thank you, my friend. My heart is so heavy today with thoughts of the terrible tragedy and loss of life in Paris this past week. I hope you are safe and happy. I am so honored to have you as my virtual friend - thank you, Martine.

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  7. Sandra BusbyJanuary 6, 2015 at 4:21 AM

    That is exciting! Congratulations!!! And yes - the right decision! You have maintained the freshness with out a doubt. As for the ';quick' still life... well it is seriously gorgeous. I'm intending to do plenty of looser work this year :0)

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:38 PM

      Hi, Sandra - isn't it fascinating that it is often harder to be loose than to be more precise? I find that so interesting. Ah, the mysteries of the human mind!

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  8. irinapicturesJanuary 6, 2015 at 11:47 AM

    Unity of your special and original color and style, it amazes me most of all in both works. Photo here is more the reminder of impression, not the exact reference for the painting, I think. Well done, master.

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:36 PM

      Yes, Irina, the thing I do like about this triple portrait is the impression that each person is lost in their own inner sanctuary as they pose and the connections between them are not clearly seen. You are way too kind but I always appreciate your thoughtful comments.

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  9. Victor ErringtonJanuary 7, 2015 at 12:51 AM

    Hi Susan.
    your portraits are outstanding. Also your still life is excellent. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:33 PM

      Thank you, Vic. I have been enjoying my visits to your site as well! Happy painting in 2015!

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  10. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comJanuary 9, 2015 at 9:00 PM

    In complete AWE. One is difficult enough, but THREE! My admiration is added to the awe.
    Love the still life - especially the water in the vase. Liking the vitality myself!
    I checked out the Crickets Crush...did they ask permission first? I think it is quite an amazing site and I hope you sell your paintings from the extra exposure.

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    1. SusanJanuary 11, 2015 at 2:33 PM

      Thank you, Julie. In the end, I feel I bit off more than I could chew but, like every other brushstroke I have put to canvas, it was a valuable experience for me. Of course, now that it is done, I see so many things I could have done better. But there will always be a "next time" and, hopefully, I will be up to the task! And, yes, The Cricket's Crush site did request and receive my permission before publishing - my gallerista in Florida contacted them and made all arrangements before hand.

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    ReplyDelete

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