After all the build-up in the last post, I'm really disappointed with this one. It really was a struggle which I never really won... however ... onwards and upwards.
On the positive side: I had never painted hands before and this gave me the chance to experiment.
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| "Berber Man in Morocco" John Simlett Acrylic on Stretched Canvas 31 x 12 inches (790 x 300 mm) |
I think it is phenomenal, John. To have some of your talent! Great job on the hands!
ReplyDeleteYou're too kind, Sherry. Thank you
DeleteJohn. This is outstanding work.
ReplyDeleteI really think it''s as good as the previous Afghan gentleman that you captured so well.
If one ignores the fact that you've given the Berber gentleman one too many fingers, it's a knock-out.
Congratulations.
Thanks, David ... you cheeky monkey ... I nearly counted fingers :0)
DeleteI am always astonished how (by what I see in the blog) you pass from one photo to painting without study of the details (so apparently) and everything is painted always amazing well.
ReplyDeleteI think your strong preparation on the drawing (line, volumes, values) will let this with an ease that view from the outside is impressive.
So the fact that you've struggled a bit 'for the man's hands in Morocco, makes me look like you, more human ... complex shapes such as hands require time.
Despite this, you have solved your problems and "the man in morocco" came out well and amazing as always by you, dear John !!!
I think you are right, Rita, the painting needs a good drawing if it is to stand a chance of success.
DeleteThank you for your kind words and encouragement
You may have struggled John but I feel you won the battle. I think this is a remarkable painting and although the expression is slightly different from the original I feel you have given this man a gentler expression instead of a scowl. I really like your folds and creases, the hands are great and his beard is super! Great work, well done! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ingrid, thank you for the encouragement; I'm still learning and get disappointed if my painting doesn't reach my expectations
ReplyDeleteI can only say: phenomenal, John! The hands are really good, and I love the folds in the cloth!
ReplyDeleteHe's not bad, John! This is one of your first few portraits, and they are the most difficult subjects to realize. And the hands are superb!!! Keep on keeping on ...
ReplyDeleteKathryn
Thanks, Kathryn. I think it may be the 'blue' ... I prefer dark, earthy colours I think ...not sure, still finding my way.
DeleteGreat as allways. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI like his eyes.he is looking right at me...and his mouth is really good.
ReplyDeleteIt appears you have won the battle of thinking every painting can be perfect.
Something to be said for the ignorance of when we first start to paint - only to find the more we learn the harder it gets!
Think of Tiger Woods.... best player around and look what can happen - he is having a hard time Anything which requires hand /eye/mind coordination is supremely difficult. So, John...is what you mean that it is not at the level of what you had in your mind? That being said, will you agree that it is better than a lot of artists can paint? Keep your expectations high. it means you will keep growing. I give myself the same pep talk!
Thanks for your wise words, Julie.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm still finding my way and that some colours don't work for me, I'll end up with the right palette for me, and when I do... I'll probably abandon it and go off at a tangent. Luckily I move easily to and fro between painting, writing and working in wood, so I'm unlikely to get bored ... but never reach a destination (if that makes sense). :0))
"but never reach a destination" - true words that an artist needs to keep in mind. If your reach a goal, set the bar higher and higher - there is no limit to how high you can go. That being said - I like the hands very much - they are quite painterly.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. I was quite pleased with the hands ...it was the rest of it (chuckle)
DeleteApart from maybe a little more contrast in a few places I'm seeing nothing wrong with this, certainly nothing to be disappointed with. Given how few portraits you've done this still stands as 'exceptional' in my book. Great work John.
ReplyDeleteOnly the artist knows what their expectations are and if you don't reach them you fail(ish). Others see the finished article and form their own judgements ... but you know all that, John :0)
DeleteWow - hands are very difficult but really you have nailed them! I think you are giving yourself a hard time because considering you say you are a beginner at this, then that makes this a huge success! I have never known anyone to take so quickly to painting! :0)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Sandra
DeleteBeautiful work John! This portrait is amazing!!! I love the size of the canvas as well and his expression is wonderful as well as his hands that are so difficult to paint!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten the size of canvas; I do like this size and use it frequently.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments, Hilda