Oil of youngest son

[Lon Haverly]

The edges - that is a clue. The open mouth, well, I draw the open mouth very often from life, but I have never painted it. Truthfully, I have never painted from life, something I would like very much to master. Perhaps then, I will fully grasp what you are talking about. I just can't find any willing models. The lighting - weren't there high contrast paintings done by the old masters with limited light sources? That is what I like. It will take some experimentation to see if it is worth trying.

I wish there were "purists" in my community to try to please. Unfortunately, many here do not even know the difference between a drawing and a painting. Those that do are hardly what you could define as purists.

However, perhaps I should consider stepping up to painting from life, and farther away from the photography thing, the direction I was going.

Thank you for your kind imput. I am honored.

[Michele Rushworth]

Hi Lon,

If you want to practice painting from life, you might want to contact the local high schools in order to hire models. That's what Bill Whitaker does.

As far as people in your community not knowing high quality work, I bet you could find a good market for your art in Portland. Looks like you are about two hours away, right?

[Lon Haverly]

I have looked into drawing in Portland, but without success. I have never had an art exibit, other than a kioske. Perhaps I should consider that. I have had very poor experiences with art gallery owners. But only in Eugene, where the art is so very bad. I will post another oil to see what you think.