My first oil portrait

Linda Brandon · 03-02-2006, 11:30 AM

David, I am just knocked out by your Buddist Nun. It is fantastic. Promise me you will enter this one in contest after contest, it is a real winner.

I don't know what else to say to a first-time oil painter, but I might go slit my throat with my palette knife.

Kimberly Dow · 03-02-2006, 11:46 AM

David - Im going to have to disagree with Linda. Please dont enter this in any competitions I am entering.

Holy moley. Im blown away.

Jean Kelly · 03-02-2006, 01:29 PM

Oh, David!

I'm speechless........

Jean

Terri Ficenec · 03-02-2006, 02:07 PM

Oooooh David. . . I see her now. Positively gorgeous!!! You've given her such dignity, character and warmth. She glows. Absolutely stunning.

Lisa Ober · 03-02-2006, 02:40 PM

Well, David, you have inspired me again. This time I am inspired to put all of my paintings behind needlework so no one can see them.

You rock.

Claudemir Bonfim · 03-02-2006, 02:57 PM

Very beautiful David, I like the values in both portraits.

Alexandra Tyng · 03-02-2006, 09:52 PM

Wow, David! Your Bhuddist Nun is outstanding in so many ways. I especially love her expression, the glowing light and the simplicity. And I really enjoyed seeing your first attempt at oils. Thanks for posting them both.

David Draime · 03-02-2006, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudemir Bonfim

Very beautiful David, I like the values in both portraits.

I'm especially glad you like the first potrait - it seems like everybody likes the stupid nun portrait, and aren't giving Gridiron, Guts & Glory its due consideration!!

What's up with that? Thank you, Claudemir.

Garth Herrick · 03-05-2006, 02:50 PM

Dear David,

When I don't know how it is possible for you to improve beyond your existing artistic mastery, you do it again, showing absolute mastery of a new medium. I am finding you like several other pastel masters here in this Forum, have superior ability to make the successful transition to oils. You have razor perfect value and drawing skills that mesh perfectly with oils for a higher level of perfection than has been seen in realism up to this point.

Yes, do enter this everywhere, even though the rest of us won't stand a chance in the same competition. I hope you are entering this in the Portrait Society of America's international competition this year. I will come to Dallas to see this in person; that may clinch the deal for me to attend!

I love this composition too! There is such an affinity of curves echoing out from the corner, to her kind and soft face. What a serene expression! May I be among the first to add this image has a strong retinal burn factor as well. She stays on my mind. I am proud to have met you.

Kudos!

Garth

(well FWIW, here's my first oil. 1962, age four. See, even your first oil was much better than mine!):

David Draime · 03-02-2006, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa Ober

Well, David, you have inspired me again. This time I am inspired to put all of my paintings behind needlework so no one can see them.

If the alternative is that you're tempted to destroy any of your gorgeous work, then I find that backing needleworks with paintings is great from a conservation standpoint. Or you can just give me some of them! Seriously Lisa, thank you, thank you, thank you! You rock!