Andre WIP2

[MurrayG]

Hi folks, more to confirm I am still upright.
Absolutely a WIP, I keep seeing problems...
After weeks of doing practically no painting, I am asked to do a portrait for a friend who helped us out. I was meant to be a couple but this has been a real struggle, so just Andre
On Canson MI tinte on a 30x40 cm sheet, pale cream smooth side, Rembrandt soft (hard) pastels.

 

[snoball]

Very good! I love this expression!

 

[MurrayG]

Thanks Sno. Its finally coming along, lots of little fixes

 

[Donna T]

This is a great portrait already! I like that he seems to be caught off guard and not posing. I can’t imagine how you are doing this on Canson paper. I give up after two layers!

 

[MurrayG]

Hi Donna, ha. Thanks for the comments
It's seriously overworked and only Senneliers holding now. He's almost done after some more fiddling. I don't think I'm up to doing the couple, it would mean trying to match two different portraits.

 

[MurrayG]

Hi folks, well, I am calling it done. It will be framed at 24x30cm. I think I am reaching my limits and have had to use some Senneliers to get final texture/colour. The size meant I struggled with the smaller proportions and likeness. It's so interesting how doing this stuff makes you "think" along with the emotional rollercoaster of "arghh s***t" to "Hm, maybe, ok".

 

[Donna T]

Nicely finished, Murray! I like how you did the background and you are wise to stop before you’re tempted to fiddle with it more.

 

[MurrayG]

Thanks Donna. Stopping is my biggest problem, forced by the paper but I'm reasonably ok with the result. Your comments are always appreciated.

 

[Jo Castillo]

This is great. I like the background, too. The expression and colors are excellent!

 

[Artyczar]

Wow! Really well done, Murray! Congrats on a very successful piece.

 

[Terri]

Wonderful expressive face! Coloring is lovely and soft. He'll be very pleased. Well done!

 

[MurrayG]

Well, there is a rather unexpected story to the painting. It is Andres birthday soon, the portrait was a suggestion to give as a gift. That was fine, something I do a bit.
Anyway, he turned up today with his wife for a social drop in as they are travelling soon.

As a surprise, the portrait was revealed, even though it still needs framing....
Andre burst into tears, he was do moved by the gift, his wife also. I was firstly concerned the reaction was WTF is this crap, but fortunately it was for appreciation.

Most unexpected, and is making me really step back and think hard. I am not a portraitist, no training, few drawing skills, but it moved me greatly that folk react to my work in this way. A really nice affirmation but also deeply moving for me as an "artist".

 

[Donna T]

It’s so great to hear that this portrait caused some happy tears to be shed, Murray! I can’t think of a better or more heartfelt response!

 

[Terri]

That's a wonderful story! Couldn't ask for a better outcome. You must feel both humbled and appreciated at the same time. I'm happy you shared this with us!

 

[MurrayG]

Hi Terri and Donna. I was quite unprepared... Here I was saying it needs to be framed and so on, and I realized he was red faced and sobbing & teared up ... Hi wife was looking at the painting and very emotional. I was stunned, had to give him a hug. I guess it was a combination if the gift and his own portrait.
For me, I had to do a rethink if what it means for me as an artist..... Folk have gooed etc over my work before but this was quite visceral.
Thanks for the comments, much appreciated

 

[Sanlynn]

What a wonderful reaction to your gift. Congratulations!