Taking an Artist's Stance

The room is silent, except for the blues music playing softly on a small boom box and the sound of scratching. Seventeen artists arranged in the circle trade pencils, paint, and pastels in an effort to recreate a single subject. In her regular workout gear, a dance instructor sits on a small bench in the center and tilts her head upwards as the subject.

The focus for some is her prominent features and upswept hair. Others are captivated by her body and legs, which they draw in long strokes or with soft shades. A Crystal Lake painter has chosen to superimpose watercolor outlines of the model's various poses across one page, creating the illusion of movement. The group's weekly sessions are her outlet for trying new techniques and practicing figure drawing, which she puts aside for her landscape paintings.

Most people feel it is natural to practice playing an instrument, but they do not think that art takes practice. She looks at her work and says she is satisfied with the outcome. Whether its hours of long labor or a quick practice session, greatness in portraiture can come, reaching out to the audience with the depth of human expression.

Portraits are the primary art form of another female artist, who returned to the group two years ago after devoting two decades of her life to the business sector. Portraits always held a certain appeal for her. A subject is always expressing something, and the painter must capture these moments on canvas. Using what most would consider clashing color combinations of dark green, blue, yellow and white she is able to capture the regalness of the model.

The depth of art comes from the ability of an artist to look beyond face colors. There are also tones, cool like blue and green or warm like yellow and white, created by lighting that the artist must capture. This follows the tradition of Renoir, which she is trying to master. The artist working on commission can make do with either a live sitting or a photograph. A live sitting allows the subject's personality to leave an impression on the artist, whereas a photograph is just convenient. The greats became so, because they were able to meet the challenge of capturing personalities on canvas. A show of personality can be a fleeting thing. She does not dwell on recreating one's likeness, but she still does a good job of it. She wants to depict what's inside the person, and her success is equal to a magnificent painting.

When working on a commission, the artist must work within the parameters set by the patron. With bright colors, the portrait looks even better.

We are happy that you enjoy this paintings resource and don't forget to visit us at pastel portrait from photograph.More resources relating to the theme of paintings are at newborn baby portraits.