http://www.painters-online.co.uk artistDecember 2019 19
O
f all the subject disciplines
experienced on our painting
journey, few are more
demanding than attaining
a likeness in a portrait setting, or the
accuracy in a drawn image derived
from the live model. Both requirePortrait study
in oil
David Curtis explains his technique for obtaining
a likeness with a demonstration of his son in oil
close study, concentration and some
considerable drawing ability. So there
is no better way to hone these skills
than to attend a life-drawing class and
practise head and shoulder portraiture
in whatever preferred medium suits
your ability and confidence. I find that
to know your chosen model well, or
have a dialogue whilst the painting
progresses, does allow you to develop a
rapport and so extract the character and
personality of the individual.Bold brushwork
Even though he had a busy social
schedule over the university Christmas
break, I managed to get my 20-year-
old son Matthew to sit for a head-
and-shoulder portrait (pages 21-23).
Because I am so familiar with his facial
features and personality, I found the
flow of progress was brisk and decisive.
I treat all the portraits I produce with
the same sense of urgency with a series
of bold, blocky brushwork statements
of carefully observed variations of
the tone and colour values that are
presented. In the early stages each
stated block is matched one to the
other, as you can see from the step-
by-step sequences. This establishes a
sense of structure and emerging three-
dimensional effect.
It is important, I think, not to be
lulled into deep involvement and
consideration of individual features
too early in the proceedings. Basic
proportions and ongoing measurement
checks are vital and do be prepared
to correct these parameters as you
progress. Therefore, don’t be satisfied
too early. It is important to stand away
to observe progress – this will allow
you to see glaring errors, which almost
inevitably occur.
The attainment of a likeness can
usually be achieved by some quite
small adjustment later on, providingp Study of Letitia, oil on canvas board, 12 3 10in (20.5 3 25.5cm).
This model with her lowery dress ofered the joy of lashes of brightly-coloured brushstrokes
contrasting with the subtlety of skin tones. Her face suggested a conident persona and striking
presence
David Curtis
headed an engineering design team and
then taught life drawing at Doncaster
College before painting full time. He is vice
president of the Royal Society of Marine
Artists, a member of the Royal Institute of
Oil Painters, patron of the Pure Watercolour
Society, and has served on the selection
committee of the Singer & Friedlander/
Sunday Times watercolour competition and
the board of governors of the Federation
of British Artists. He exhibits regularly,
including with all the major national
societies and has won many awards for his
work. David’s paintings are held in private
collections, both in the UK and abroad; his
many art books and DVDs are available
from APV Films, http://www.apvilms.com,
telephone 01608 641798.
http://www.djcurtis.co.uk