Marissa

10"x8" oil on canvas panel. • Before I launch into the useless tirade below, let me lay this disclaimer before you: Realism holds no sway in my art. I am sure there is a very deep artistic meaning in that statement, but my waters are running a little shallow today, so no more on that. • If I were to teach portrait painting, I would consider Marissa a perfect model. There are certain elements on our mugs that define us. Yes, there is the overall shape, color of the hair, blah, blah, blah. But what I am talking about are things such as the space between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip; where and how the light hits that part of the nose between the eyes (I think the anatomical term for that part of the nose is "doohickamabobber"); the shape of the nose and lips, etc. On Marissa's face, these elements are wonderfully descriptive. Maybe I'm bringing this up because I have watched many artists paint her and totally ignore these elements—instead, applying some other standard shape. • Here comes disclaimer No. 2: Now, like me, those artists are probably utilizing the model in front of them for their own purposes—I am guilty of it myself (a lot)—but what a wonderful face to waste by completely homogenizing it. That is the "Please don't send me nasty emails" disclaimer. • Sorry for the Monday-like rant on a Tuesday.
Posted December 20, 2011