"The Old Seaman"
 

I was updating my file of old studies painted with my local portrait group a few years back and thought I would share this head detail from a painting done in the style of Nicholai Fechin, one of my favorite painters. I used a palette knife for most of the painting with the exception of the face and beard.

Jim,
I could list what I love about this, but instead I think I'll just stutter out the word beautiful and stare at the screen for a while.

I love it too!
 

:)

Good job! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: This is soooooo "painterly." I'd enjoy seeing the whole picture....

The gorgeous brushwork areas remind me of the lovely alla prima portraits done by John Howard Sanden!

The Fechin influence is obvious. I admire this style very much. When I see a painting like this I ask myself: what's keeping you from doing this style of work? The answer always comes back... courage. Skill also comes to mind but first I must gain courage.

Awesome Jim! Why don't we have him and Doris on your site (after I get caught up from being away and being sick!).

Wow
 

Wow! This is amazing! Beautiful painterly work yet you have captured everything,

Joan

Outstanding!!! Such character!!! Such confidence!! Absolutely beautiful. geri

Brief Fechin Biography

This is such an inspiring painting, I had to research the artist who inspired you [link above]. My teacher, George Passantino, has mentioned Fechin in class, yet his name remained in my marginal notes... until now!

I believe this painting is more refined and less "nervous" than Fechins'. A wonderful example of personalization... I particularly admire the way you bravely combined two application techniques on one canvas.

Thank you for sharing.

Thanks all for the nice comments. After I complete a current project within time for a retirement party this coming Thursday (4/16) I will shoot the full painting. We only had 10 hours of model time, pictures were not permitted, and I never bothered to get someone to sit for the hands and it will show.

Jeanine, I posted a few Fechin drawings and paintings in the "Artist of the past" thread along with this link (http://askart.com/artist/F/nicolai_ivanovich_fechin.asp) that will help you find more.