Amish mugshot #1...here he is.

Next portraiture project

Ok for now my idea is to try to keep going with improving on portraiture study for next class. I was looking back at some of the pieces I've completed and already feel a certain nostalgia for the plain earth tones of the Wyeth-inspired backdrop I created for the young man in the 'white tank.' I was thinking about people that might live in that terrain and decided to look at some Amish images. I came up with this really interesting story. The-8-amish-men-jailed-for-not-putting-orange-safety-triangles-on-their-buggies/.  

From a portraiture perspective, I am intrigued by mugshots in general -- but these are compelling for a host of reasons. First, they come from a story where color itself is itself a key feature. The mugshots show this kind of artificially-colored blue strip behind the otherwise earth-toned down fellows, who have even been 'accomodated' in jail garb that is muted gray instead of electric orange.

I am interested in adapting one (or some) of these images as a headshot portrait like what I've been doing most recently, like this one:

. . . but while manipulating color, for example, maybe the height strip behind them will become the artificial orange that the State wanted to impose on them. The article is worth a short read all the way through the comments. Usually I find public commenters pretty crass and underinformed but in this instance those that took the time to post were thoughtful. They also wondered about the numbering system as I had! The question right now is... which of these fellows do I choose for the project? Any votes?

I've got painters block! I've prepped a canvas for my next class but I have no idea what to paint. Suggestions are welcome and I eagerly await the filling of the Idea Box.

Welcome!

Hello to all of my students. I enjoy your company in the studio each week and take so much pleasure in guiding you as you discover the fun and challenges of painting.

I have started this blog to give you all a place to communicate, share ideas, share your paintings and hopefully find inspiration and encouragement from one another. I think it will be super to have a greater sense of community amongst the group and I hope you will all participate!

Thanks to all of you for being such awesome students - so willing to learn, experiment and grow.

See you in the studio!
-Dana