Saturday, April 5, 2014

"Call Me Mister Blue" Acrylic Canvas 16" x 20"

I "finished" my second portrait at my MFA class! The model did return from last week but I decided not to continue with that work.  Instead I went with a limited palette and a different approach! I am learning so much from this experience. Especially to "see" better and make appropriate adjustments! Even now while looking at the painting I can see so many places where I could do more!  I am glad I stopped though and I am very much looking forward to next week's class and a new model!
(The painting reminds me a little of one of the characters in the "Avatar" movie?)

15 comments:

  1. Oh you wild beast you!
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fauvism

    Like this different approach, a bit more relaxed and loose than the previous. It is always good to experiment with various methods, approaches etc.
    It is interesting how you reigned this one in on the "appropriate adjustments" but retained the looseness of paint application and brushwork.

    I love the rusty red hair against the blue and green.
    It's jazzy cool like neon!
    The same goes for the title, it's a statement!

    Keep painting...

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    1. Hello David!
      Always great to hear from you buddy!
      I am glad you like my portrait! You are right about experimenting!
      I love using the term "adjustments!" A great teacher of mine used that term all the time when making changes!
      When I chose "Call Me Mister Blue" I was wondering if many remembered the old rock and roll song with the same title! I am not sure why but I lean towards greens and blues! James Taylor, "Sweet Baby James", "Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose!" Paint on David! (Coming up with the one year anniversary of Boston Marathon Bombing. I will be posting a surprise!)
      Your Grateful to have David J. Teter as a blog follower!
      Michael

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    2. On your title, not knowing the James Taylor song, at least by name, I actually thought of the movie "They call me Mr. Tibbs"

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  2. This is FANTASTIC Michael! The shadows and colours are glorious! The cheekbone, nose and mouth are mesmerising. The dark upper lip is so beautifully contrasted with the bottom. You've captured his concentration on trying to stay still. I can almost see a bit of the strain of it around his mouth. Really outstanding work Michael - you have a real talent for portraiture! I think this is a new favourite of mine!
    Your true blue art cobber,
    Wendy

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    1. I so love anything and everything about Australia because of you Wendy! You are a grand ambassador for your wonderful country!
      So, G'Day Mate!
      I am thrilled with all your positive and very kind portrait comments! "Mesmerising!" Such a grand word! Thank you Wendy! Love that compliment! So many wonderful comments! Yippee! I am honored that you have any favorites! I have been following your blog and now need to scoot over and write a wonderful comment!
      I was telling David Boston Marathon Bombing anniversary is coming! My wife and I are going in to see the race and after I have a surprise post !
      Take care my fantastic Australian Art Buddy!
      Your USA Aussie Cobber!
      Michael

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  3. Michael! Wow - it seems you have really taken to portraiture like a fish to water! I love your creative, original and exciting use of color. Your own personal style is apparent in this and I love it! Wonderful!

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    1. Hello My Star Portrait Artist Susan! You have been my portrait taking class inspiration! I realize I am a rookie at this but someday my portraits will be one of a kind! A "Wonderful" from you made my day! Thanks Susan! I am so glad you wrote and noticed so much about my attempt! I am learning from you to almost enjoy the work necessary to make a good portrait! Love your recent life painting! The model looks so relaxed and confident! Bravo to you!
      Will be posting this weeks portrait soon! (Some frustration this week but I carried on!)
      Take care buddy!
      Michael

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  4. Super portrait! Glad you are enjoying doing these and learning along the way too. You make such great bold color choices...or are you in a "blue" period? LOL Keep these coming. I find that even though I will never want to be a portrait painter, doing portraits makes me observe what I am sketching a little differently. It also takes me out of my comfort zone which is a good thing.

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    1. Hello Joan! First I am trying to so hard to keep up with your wonderful posts! I am following you but comments will have to come later!! You are so talented and prolific!
      Thank you so much for "Super Portrait!" A great compliment! Wow! Makes me so very happy! You are so right about learning to observe more from portrait painting! At class and every where outside of class I am constantly observing peoples' faces! Planning on how I would render them! Especially noses!!!!
      I tent to choose blue and greens! Not sure why! I love all colors and don't like to limit myself to favorites! But I do love greens and blues!
      Keep on painting Joan!
      Your learning to observe more art buddy!
      Michael

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  5. Great work here...you really got the light "spilling" over his face. Really great!!

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    1. Hello Celeste!
      Thank you so much buddy! Your wonderful "Great work here..." comment made my day! I am so very lucky to have such supportive art blog friends like you! I am happy you noticed the light! I am working very hard and learning so much! This week was a bit agonizing. Not sure why! But I will post my attempt soon! Thanks again for so much Celeste! Now off to check out your wonderful art!
      Michael Hard Working Portrait Student!

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  6. Excellent work, Michael! I love the colors you used for the face and the shadows are truly wonderful!!!

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    1. Hello Hilda! "Excellent work!" from you one of the most excellent portrait artists! Thank you Hilda! Made me so very happy! I am not sure why I went with blues instead of "flesh" tones but I am happy I did! Thank you so much for visiting and always writing very supportive comments Hilda!
      Take care buddy!
      Michael aka Learning Why They Call Them "WORKS" of art!

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  7. I love your portrait work Michael! Excellent work on the features and values.Your enthusiasm towards your subject matter is always there, look forward to seeing more!!

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  8. Hello my dear art buddy Celia! Just read your blog! I so hope you are on the mend! What a shock to read about your accident! Horrible comes to mind! Please get well very fast! Best to you and your husband!
    With all this going on in your life, thank you for taking time to visit my blog! Your fantastic comments always give me great confidence. I need it with this portrait class. So much work! Especially for a guy who likes "art FUN!" more than "art WORK!" I am again relearning to appreciate discipline and work!
    Get well my dear art friend!
    Your very concerned art buddy!
    Michael

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