figurative artist

Evolution of a Portrait

First stage with blue ground and outlines in raw and burnt umbers
Addition of beard and shadows
Broad colors of skin tones laid in
More detailed lights, darks and middle tones applied
Beard and more details added; tones blended to more realistically express features
Almost completed: shirt and background elements added

Starting and Finishing

I have been working on this painting for approximately 1 1/2 months. Today I went over some areas that were bothering me: some were too dark, and some edges were not crisp enough. I like the delicate balance between correcting areas and leaving some slightly imperfect. I do this because I enjoy the process of looking at art, specifically drawings, when I gather insight into what an artist was thinking by examining the various marks made. I have posted the beginning charcoal image on canvas I started with, and the final painting.

Two Men with Image of Hecate the Greek Goddess of Magic, Oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches