Saturday, July 14, 2012

Double Vision

Diane Mannion, DOUBLE VISION, 6x6" oil
SOLD
Fortunately, I had a camera handy when an artist friend looked up from her drawing and said... "I've GOT to get new glasses."  
I find it harder to work from photos than from a live model.  It's difficult to stay loose and spontaneous and not have it turn out looking like a stiff photo.  After all, WE ARE NOT COPY MACHINES.  We're artists!  And a painting should look like a painting, not a reproduction.  Touchy subject.  A camera is a great tool but that image should not be the final goal.  The artist should use photos (and only photos taken by them) as a reference or starting point.  Then the painting should take on a life of its own based on visual memory, experience, and emotions.  Therefore, the more an artist paints from life... the easier it will be to transform photo reference into vibrant works.  At least that's one of my goals. 

2 comments:

Linda Nickles said...

Wow...painting eyeglasses on someone is challenging enough, but you painted TWO pairs, and managed to make it look so natural. The skin tones and are gorgeous, and I love how you handled the hair. Really nice!

Sonya Johnson said...

I completely and wholeheartedly agree with your comments regarding painting from life vs. photos: I find it increasingly difficult to paint from photos, and only do so when it's too cold to paint outdoors (not an issue where you live, of course).

If you hadn't said otherwise, I would have assumed this painting was done from life, so I think you are already there re that goal :).