My first oil portrait

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.

John Reidy · 03-02-2006, 10:51 PM

David,

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing and raising the bar.

David Draime · 03-03-2006, 12:00 AM

Alexandra, thank you so much! You should know that I wasn't going to post the "adolescent" painting until I saw the incredible pieces you did as a child. They were so delightful - I just want to say again: thank you so much for posting those. It was such a treat. You know, since painting is so new to me, I feel I'm at the beginning of a VERY steep learning curve - there is so much I don't know. Your comments are a real boost. Thanks.

John, thanks so much - you are quite kind.

Cindy Procious · 03-03-2006, 08:10 AM

Wonderful painting! Simple and dramatic composition, still, yet full of narrative. She makes me smile right back at her. Your paint handling ROCKS.

David Draime · 03-05-2006, 01:49 PM

Cindy, thank you very much! I never thought I had (or ever would have) much of a sense of narrative in any of my work, so I am pleased that you think so. After seeing your awesome Ballerina Girl, I'm inspired to do a figurative piece before long...but I probably should do a few more simple portraits, to figure out what I'm doing.

This whole painting thing - I'm hooked. I can't wait to do more. I now SO envy any of you lucky ones out there who get to do this full time.
....someday...(sigh)...

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 · 03-05-2006, 03:24 PM

Well, Garth, after reading that I truly am flattered - especially as it is coming from YOU!!! I can't quite bring myself to believe what you are saying is true - I think you are being overly generous - but I sure hope someday to be worthy of that high praise. Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garth Herrick

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!

You better come to Dallas!! After seeing your Judge portrait I want to sit down with you for about six hours and pick your brains. Just consider me a very dry sponge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garth Herrick

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

Well I for one TOTALLY...no, I VEHEMENTLY disagree with you on this one. This piece is an Abstract Expressionist masterpiece (though not being entirely abstract). I think it stands with the very best expressionist work of the 20th century. I'm dead serious. What an imagination you had - at 4 years of age!! The balanced composition, design is so sophisticated, my eye moves around easily and confidently, discovering all the marvellous creatures you've so joyously depicted. It is grand. I know some people might think, "boy, this guy has a screw loose somewhere.." but I mean it. Your genius was quite evident in 1962.

David

Janel Maples · 03-05-2006, 11:51 PM

"She beams with happiness." That is the best way to say what entered my mind when I looked at your portrait; of the nun that is. : )

She is absolutely beautiful. I smiled right back at her.

As for your fist oil portrait, I have to say for your first time I'd say you did very well. I also might add ...... I think you have come a long way.

Thanks for posting these.