This is a wonderful gentleman in Sacramento who owns a large landscaping company called "Lawnman". He hasn't seen this portrait of him yet, because I'm not sure about it. You know how it gets when you work hard on a painting. You either go "blind" or self delusional as to its artistic efficacy. Got feedback?
Friday, June 4, 2010
Portrait of Bernie
This is a wonderful gentleman in Sacramento who owns a large landscaping company called "Lawnman". He hasn't seen this portrait of him yet, because I'm not sure about it. You know how it gets when you work hard on a painting. You either go "blind" or self delusional as to its artistic efficacy. Got feedback?
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29 comments:
David, your art is full of life and color, every thing you do and share with us is amazing
(EVERY THING)
Well, I like the composition, the addition of things he works with on a daily basis (and very interesting to use the grass that way!), and I think he looks like someone I'd like to have come and work on my yard - so I'd say you've conveyed a feeling for the man. He's robust, fun, full of life.
I know it's always a bit tricky to paint backlight, but I think you managed it very well and put his face in as the sun itself. He looks so healthy and strong. Just the flowers would do some more contrasts good. Great painting!
what a great concept for displaying him and his work. I really like the importance of that backlight for without the sun nothing grows so it is fabulous here. The idea of holding up the sod is great. I also like the contrast of the sod with the grass below his sod is so much better and like RH I would be incline to hire him for the jovial look he has.
Fabulous piece !
and I agree with Ulrike for a little more contrast on the flowers. The little triangle of light on the left corner of the bag could have a slightly less white or a little more difference between the grass and it.
Glad you like it Dr. F, but I'm still not sure about the colors. Some paintings just drive ya nuts! I do thank you for weighing in on this.
Thanks RHC. Maybe I need to put this in a closet for awhile. I too like the concept, but it's the colors that are driving me nuts!
Danke, Ulrike. Yes, the flowers need more work.
Good suggestions you make, Dominique. Thank you.
The man looks absolutely sunkissed. I suspect he'd love it!
Great concept for this portrait!! I like every element in it, and the only part that troubles me is the amount of light behind his head. To me, it looks more faithful to what a photographic lens would see rather than an artistic interpretation. But, that's just me. Your work is fabulous.
David,
While I personally prefer asymmetrical to symmetrical composition. I think that symmetrical is more difficult to make interesting but I think you have pulled it off well. The composition concept connection, I think is that you wanted to contrast the informal, jovial, demeanor of the lawn man by the formal composition. I think you found the solution.
About the flowers, man, that's a crap shoot. What a struggle. I honestly don't know, I'm once again bothered by the formal round shape. I don't think they need more contrast between flowers and background. I think that because they are in the shadow of the grass, they might need less. They may be taking from the portrait of the man. Maybe a little inside the mass of flowers would help.
The face is really well painted. Great lighting, color and texture in this one.
Good Luck.
there's something about the grass he's holding that looks like a podium, is it meant to be a roll of grass? (not at all sure what the solution is...)
I think his face and the light on the shoulder is amazing.
also agree a little more contrast on the flowers would be great.
Hi! I love your work, have been following for a while.
Actually it does look a little like a podium! But what better podium for a lawn guy than grass! So you can look at it either way. Flowers....as some says...in shadow so don't make them brighter. What this shows is amazing outside the box composition. Fun.
Autumn, love some of the descriptions I'm getting including your "The man looks absolutely sunkissed". I hope he likes my effort and I know that when he sees some of these comments, he will be very happy. Truly, he is an upbeat and giving gentleman.
Kathy, Hmmm, more artistic and less photographic interpretation. I do believe you have a good point here. Thank you so much!
Kathy, Hmmm, more artistic and less photographic interpretation. I do believe you have a good point here. Thank you so much!
W. Moore (The Crazy), Some cogent thoughts about the flower's "formal round shape", needing less to be highlighted and perhaps taking the energy away from the lawn man. I've been thinking along the same lines, by gum! Thank you, sir.
Lolabola*, I guess that the roll of turf could be seen as a podium but also I think my photo is not catching enough of the shadowy grass texture. I'm also having problems with my camera catching the subtle colors in the sky. It is closing down it's little digital aperture because the sky is so bright. Thank you for weighing in on my dilemma and following my blog!
Thanks, Ginny. Yes, if it can be construed as a podium but what better thing for it to look like for Mr. Lawnman.
Hi David,
This is so great. I don't know why you're unsure about it. It's so amazing in composition, design, colour. Wow. You inspire me every time I visit your blog. Thanks for the super comment.
Take care,
Barbara
David,
P.S. Like the light behind his head.
Have a glass of wine and then look at it again. It's a good one.
Take care,
Barbara
Barbara, Had the vino... still obsessed and have a bee in my bonnet. Also my knickers are in a twist. But I have worked HARD with the colors on Lawnman's face...glimmer of hope? I'll be posting again soon. Again, looks to me that you had a great show in the big apple!
Holy cow! That is one wicked awesome painting, truly beautiful use of light and color and such an intriguing composition that really captures this portraits personality. I. am. stunned. BEA-U-TI-FUL!
:)
I am late to the scene here :) -- an attractive composition for sure!. I honestly don't know what or if anything more needs to be done - but have been learning from all the comments and your replies --Thanks for the lesson :)
Whoa Nelly!...I mean Crystal! I'm glad you like this one, but please check in periodically to see my next iteration. I'd be very interested in reading your comment. Thank!
Glad you are enjoying these wonderful comments, Meera.
it may be too late, but, my first reaction was do i look at his face or the flowers and my eyes went back and forth. i am going back to look at his face.
David, I love your art, but my first impression of this one was, this is a man standing behind a tombstone, why does it look so grassy and why is he grinning? Don't know what you could do to change that, but given your creativity, I know you'll make some changes if you think it necesszry.
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