Saturday, October 22, 2011

Portrait Feedback

Title: Portrait of a Modern Father.
Subtitle: Candle of the Lord, part 1.

Medium: Oil on canvas, 24x36".
I've just finished my latest painting. At least, I think I have. I like it, but there are some people who don't.

So I'd like you folks to help me out. There's nothing like the wisdom of the crowd, right? Please look at this painting and its closeups below then give me your feedback in the comments section. Tell me what you like or don't like about it, and why. Tell me how I should improve it. If you want to keep your comments private, just email me at les@lesteryocum.com. I may or may not use them, but I will value them, whatever they are.

I'm not going to give you many details about the painting because I don't want to influence your response. I will tell you that I'm going to submit it to a rather large competition next weekend, and your feedback could be very valuable.

Part 2 of this painting is nearing completion. It is a mirror image of part 1 but features two female characters instead of two males. Together the two will form a diptych, or "two paintings as one."

Thank you for your time. I look forward to your feedback.




4 comments:

  1. Overall I thing it looks really great. The picture with the emphasis on the angels foot, visually I want to see it angled out with a piece of his heal showing. Another approach could be to either shorten the leg or extend the robe so that only a portion of the foot is exposed. Those are my two cents, I enjoy your work Lester.

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  2. Huh. Excellent thoughts, Adam. Thanks!

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  3. Les:
    I like it. You always do such good work with the light falling over a subject's shoulder. Is there a way to subtly make the light from the angel's hand more three dimensional? Maybe suggest rays from that light and the light from the angel's figure. Certain parts of the angel, like his left hand and the right side of the garment could be a little more three dimensional. To me, the left hand looks flat.

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  4. I will consider it, Prodigal Altar Boy. Thanks. One suggestion was to give more dimension to the angel, not just flat white with some line work. We will see. Light is definitely the thing I am trying to work with here. A great challenge. In the computer, no problem. In oils on canvas -- more of a challenge.

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