Recent Work

Initial Idea

So my initial idea for the semester was to contrast the fantastic with the mundane. In addition it dealt with my observation that we may no longer have the ability to recognize the subtle beauty that exists all around us.

Although I enjoy the imagery, I received criticism from a professor that this was not exactly unique or the best solution to combining my interests. I didn't agree at first but I continued to still produce some of the following imagery. 

The following value studies started with sketches which I would eventually refine in photoshop. I am using harmonic divisions in order to set up the composition. Such as the following image. 

The harmonic divisions are simply a guide / aide in order to place things with in the frame. I still have a lot to learn in this regard, but figured that if the old masters would use it, they must have a reason for it.

I would recommend checking out the book "Classical Painting Atelier by Juliette Aristides." It covers this content extremely well.  

These are a few other quick sketches of ideas that I ended up abandoning for the time being. I may pick them back up in the near future. 

Here are a few character sketches which were used in some of the above compositions. 

The bottom three portraits are caricatures. 

Second Idea

This is a random doodle that served as inspiration for the next theme that I will be pursuing.

Composition thumbnails for a comprehensive story about robots and the fall of man. Referencing classical paintings / the evolution of art. 

I am still working on this composition and color. The color is terrible at the moment. I was specifically looking at Bouguereau for this composition and value for the environment. I am not sure if the image reads from afar. 

Self Portrait

This composition was really difficult to set up. It still needs some work, but I think I may wait until I receive feedback from my committee next week. 

A doodle for a day. The painting did not come out as well as I would like it to have. 

Most of these digital sketches need a lot of work, but serve as a reference for me. Refinement will come in the oil paintings... hopefully. 

Studies

Each figure is a two hour pose. 

Mechanical pencil in my sketchbook. 

Cumpled Paper Still Life

Oil On Panel

I need to paint thinker and be less hesitant to use my materials. This is something that I will have to work on when attempting alla prima paintings. 

Banana Coffee Still Life

Oil On Panel

This was my attempt to paint thicker for an alla prima. I believe that I overworked the painting, and ruined its initial liveliness which can be noted in the picture above. I learned a lot with this study, primarily with blocking in. 

Specifically, I used a view catcher that allowed me to isolate the color I was seeing against 50% grey. This was a tremendous help, and something I will continue to do more. 

Multiple session self portrait. I think the values are close but not exact. Drawing could use some corrections as well.

Once I feel confident with this, I will begin to add color through glazing. 

Here is a few digital studies I did one evening. I had an epiphany that I wanted to test out as much as possible. Although the portrait is busier that I would like, all of these paintings were relatively efficient executed.