Painting Portraits is My Lifelong Passion

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Click on thumbnails to see full-size version in the Art Gallery:

Masked... Eye... Hand... Self Portrait at 19... Eyes in Shadow

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

Artist Statement

Using oil paint to create faithful, meaningful portraits is my lifelong passion. To me, a successful portrait not only conveys an accurate likeness to the subject, but also captures a sense of what kind of person the subject is and what they may be feeling. For this reason, I most enjoy painting myself as a way of reflection and self-expression.

My objectives in the chosen works are to exhibit the emotion of the subject, most commonly but not exclusively manifesting in the eyes, while carefully replicating their features as I see them on the canvas.

I start out with blocks of color, adding more and more definition and colors as I go, carefully blend them together, and then with tiny brushes I add the meticulous details. I always paint background to foreground and large to small to build up layers.

I have always been drawn to the masterful paintings of Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Rubens, Michelangelo, and many more. I frequently visit the many museums and art galleries in the Hampton Roads area for inspiration, as well as browse various art sharing websites.

I have discovered that I create my best paintings after spending considerable time looking at the artworks of others. I also prefer to paint from life whenever possible so I can carefully examine my subject. Lastly, I cannot be overwhelmed by time constraints when I paint, so I will devote many hours to a single painting.

My last four years as a student at ODU have been instrumental in refining my skills as an artist thanks to many of my professors.

Presenting Author Name/s

Tamara Dunn

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Elliott Jones, Alison Stinely

College Affiliation

College of Arts & Letters

Presentation Type

Artwork

Disciplines

Painting

Session Title

Art #1

Location

Zoom Room U

Start Date

3-20-2021 12:00 PM

End Date

3-20-2021 12:55 PM

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Mar 20th, 12:00 PM Mar 20th, 12:55 PM

Painting Portraits is My Lifelong Passion

Zoom Room U

Artist Statement

Using oil paint to create faithful, meaningful portraits is my lifelong passion. To me, a successful portrait not only conveys an accurate likeness to the subject, but also captures a sense of what kind of person the subject is and what they may be feeling. For this reason, I most enjoy painting myself as a way of reflection and self-expression.

My objectives in the chosen works are to exhibit the emotion of the subject, most commonly but not exclusively manifesting in the eyes, while carefully replicating their features as I see them on the canvas.

I start out with blocks of color, adding more and more definition and colors as I go, carefully blend them together, and then with tiny brushes I add the meticulous details. I always paint background to foreground and large to small to build up layers.

I have always been drawn to the masterful paintings of Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Rubens, Michelangelo, and many more. I frequently visit the many museums and art galleries in the Hampton Roads area for inspiration, as well as browse various art sharing websites.

I have discovered that I create my best paintings after spending considerable time looking at the artworks of others. I also prefer to paint from life whenever possible so I can carefully examine my subject. Lastly, I cannot be overwhelmed by time constraints when I paint, so I will devote many hours to a single painting.

My last four years as a student at ODU have been instrumental in refining my skills as an artist thanks to many of my professors.