THE PRELIMINARIES
I first decide what it is I am attempting
to achieve. I need to interview
the subject and decide what
characteristics of the subject I wish
to express. I need to consider the
attitude/disposition, facial features,
clothing/uniform; and the social,
professional or sporting context;
and perhaps where the finished
work is likely to be displayed.
I next decide where the painting will
be carried out. This may vary from
studio to home or even an outdoor
environment. Recently, I was asked
to paint a portrait of a TV personality
during a live national TV broadcast
... something which some might find
to be a rather disturbing intrusion!
The selection of the medium
is important. The choice of oils,
acrylics, pastels or watercolours
is something often predetermined
- although my choice frequently
relates to the time that the sitter
has available. Whether one uses
canvas, board or paper is largely
determined by the choice of medium.
Another vital consideration
is the time factor. Rarely are sitters
prepared to give more than one
or two sittings of two hours each.
For this reason, I tend to favour
the use of acrylics; and I will
often take photographs in order
to complete details such as
clothing and medals.PREPARATION OF THE SUBJECT
This is an important step because
a badly staged portrait will cause
endless frustration to the artist and
is likely to disappoint the recipient.
Consideration must be given to
lighting, and hence to the drama
of presentation. Posture, clothing
and extras (such as hand-held
objects and items of furniture)
also need to be considered.“I see my art as a celebration of the beauty
of my environment and, at times, of man’s
intrusion into it.”
Don Beaven John Utley