Two heads . . .
 

. . . are better than one? Definitely. The more time from the life, the better. Unfortunately, I have only about two hours at the most with these guys. Frustrating, though. So much could be done given more time.

Both are 20x16" oil on canvas.

Very nice, especially for two hours each! I like the hand gesture on the second one.

Thanks Michele. I liked the hand too . . . he just "did" it. Reminiscent of Gauguin, in a way.

Richard,

It looks like you captured a lot about these models in a short time. Not only do they appear well-proportioned, also they come across with plenty of personality. I like the expressive brushstrokes. They are so enthusiastic in their emphasis of certain features, like the cheek structure and facial hair of the first man, and the brow furrows and hand of the second man. I get the feeling you had fun painting.

Thanks for looking, Alex. Fun? Yep. I guess that's what's kept me at the easel all these years. These studies are more fun, because I don't have to please anyone but me!

At the risk of boring everyone, here's another pair, same situation . . . these folks are a couple. (16x20")

Richard, I just spotted this thread - wow, you are really getting good at these!

Yes, but is it art ?? (joke) Linda, thanks for looking. From you, high praise indeed!

Richard, I didn't even realize you had posted more heads. These are terrific and full of personality. I agree with Linda that you are consistently outshining yourself.

I find I miss a lot of update threads here too. Alex, thank you for the kind words. Here's another one . . . you guys get tired of my "head hunting" please say so.

Nice, Richard! I think in the last two the transitions in the skin colors are beautifully subtle and restrained. Something is happening!

Another week, another head . . .

Alex, thanks for the encouragement. I'm really grateful for this opportunity to study from the life!

Nice job Richard! Nice sutle skin tones

Oh, I really like this one, especially her sweater and the rosy cheek in the light.

Richard,

Wonderful work, wonderful energy.

Thank you all for the kind words. High praise, considering the source! See what happens when you encourage me? Here's another:

And yet another . . . (my final painting for '06!) Happy New Year!

Rich - these are getting better and better. You're painting more form and using less line with each one. This last is very sophisticated.

Great job.

I agree--this one's incredibly well executed, in addition to the vivid sense of personality and life.

Wonderful series of paintings Richard. Are you averaging one per week? I hope these are all commissions. All are very fresh and appealing.

Thank you all for the kind comments. Yes, I've been averaging at least one head per week in this "plan", sometimes I get two sitters in an afternoon. They are not commissions, I'm acting as my own "shill" in a gallery situation whrere the management hopes to raise continuing community interest. The project has led to a few commissions, though, and I hope that will continue.

Richard,

The last one is especially lovely.

This is such a wonderful example to how to go about painting figurative/portraits.

I wish I had done that, but NO!, I had to restretch large canvas after large canvas after my heads, color and drawing went south.

Folks, this is the way to go.

I'm still "going at" this project, here's # 65 . . .
This one was particularly gratifying, the "victim" let me torture him for two hours straight !

Richard, I think your "victims" are very fortunate to have 2-hours of your time! These heads are very solid and beautiful. :)

Richard,
it is a great practice and oportunity for you. You have made many fine portraits and I wish you happy painting.
One advice: try to hold back a little on the hard edges, better save them to the places you want to emphasize.

This one is especially fine, Richard. I'm glad you are persevering on this "heads" project.

Richard:

Bingham is a name in American art history.
I wish this "two heads" are equal someday!
I've read many of your posts, thanks!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:G...ingham_001.jpg

Thanks for the kind words, SB. I'd feel more like claiming "Uncle George", if he hadn't given over painting for politics later in life! (the shame!)

Here's another recent head from the same series. Allan, good advice!

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