The teasing is over. Today went well and I don't feel too horrible about showing progress on my first real and rather large portrait of Mr. Harry Kent. I hope most of you recognize him!
For those of you who don't blog, Mr. Harry Kent is an immensely gifted artist who lives in Tasmania, or as Harry might put it, "The land down under the land down under!" He paints the most incredible portraits of himself, as well as other folks, drawing from a seemingly bottomless well of expressive techniques and a variety of materials, both conventional and, to put it mildly, "unusual".
He is a great friend to countless bloggers--artists or not--always offering kind words of praise, art education, poetry and philosophy. He is a continual source of inspiration, not only for his boldness in painting, but also in the way he lives his life.
You might say I'm one of his biggest fans and have benefited immensely from knowing him.
beautifully done Gary! great composition and movement from light to dark and lovely handling of skintones. I am sure Harry will love this!
ReplyDeleteHi Rahina,
ReplyDeleteThanks, but I must admit it's pretty-much taken from a photo Harry sent me. I figured this first one should be fairly representative and perhaps the next one will be more expressive.
I love how Harry is so bold in his paintings, but I just can't do that to him--yet. When all is said and done, I want everyone to recognize it's Harry.
The painting is 30 x 24-inches and looks quite impressive. Additionally, the portrait in reality is much more cohesive, with few of the somewhat harsh tonal transitions the camera and computer software seem to create. I feel like Caio, ranting about the "machine", but unfortunately, it is often true.
Thanks for your generous comments. I hope Harry likes it, despite the rather conventional treatment.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Gary.
Conventional, yes, but also very beautifully done, Gary. He will love it - and next time you can go crazy :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful work. I look forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteRhonda and Tim,
ReplyDeleteI greatly appreciate your comments. Haven't heard from Harry yet, so I hope he's okay and okay with the portrait.
The possibility exists that he's so disgusted with it even he can't find the words! Hope not.
Thanks for writing,
Sincerely,
Gary.
No, no, no, you are wrong, Gary. Don't let your doubts creep in on this one - it's too darned good not to recognize it's worth. Harry is probably busy elsewhere or (I hope not) feeling out of sorts with his health.
ReplyDeleteHi Gary, sorry for the delay in coming to view the great work. It's been a not-so-good week.
ReplyDeleteBut i'm here now and toitally knocked out by this magnificent portrait! I am truly humbled by your talent, Gary. You really honor me with this fine fine work.
The way you have captured the play of light is brilliant and i marvel at the masterful paint handling. I love the facets and structures of face, just love it. It is monumental.
I'm much moved by your close observation. You have really captured what i myself believe to be an essential part of my character. Thank you so much, my friend.
I'll be going away for some days and won't be able to revisit this work until after the weekend. But i've taken the liberty of downloading the image and printing it off to hang here in my study.
Gary, you are a wonder! Once again, thank you so very much.
Cheers,
Harry
Hello Harry,
ReplyDeleteCheers, indeed! I'm on top of the world knowing your okay with it. I'll have to work hard to calm down after reading your comments.
The Midwesterner in me will probably kick-in tomorrow or the next day and I'll come crashing down, but for now, it's cloud-nine and I couldn't be more thrilled and pleased and I'm going to simply enjoy it!
Thanks for being such a good sport and allowing me to do this painting. I don't mean to frighten you, Harry, but more will soon be in work!
Sincerely,
Gary.
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful portrait of Harry. Yes, he's a very talented and kind man and i'm also a fan of his work. You're a good painter also and i like this portrait a lot!
Sweet greetz!
What awesome work! In case you're interested I have a blog directory "of the creatively inclined" over at artseebloggers.com - you can join in for free.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Geri,
ReplyDeleteThanks! You're a very busy lady and I appreciate the offer to join up.
Sincerely,
Gary.