24" x 20", pastel portrait
 

Measures: (24" x 20")
Technique: pastel/paper
Title: Legionnary
Source: after model

Lovely, really nice. He does look a bit stern.;)

Sergio, the soul of this firefighter comes through in this portrait!

I really don't consider myself right to critique your work. Yes, there is a "but" coming...

I am not sure there is anything you can do about it because of the decoration on the uniform. But the two massive orange fringe shoulders are so distracting from the wonderful features of the face. I don't know if it is because they are so saturated compared to all but his skin tones, or the background is very plain.

Hopefully an SOG pro can jump in here and find me wrong or give some suggestions.

If the portrait is from a photo reference, can you post it? How about a close-up of that wonderful face?

Welcome to the Forum. I like your work! ;)

Actually, there was no photo done for that work. I drew it from a life model.

the details

HI
 

Salut Sergio,

My comment about this piece, and in your work in general, is that I get the impression there is a strong influence of retro eastern communist art.

When I look at the subjects and try to "know" them, say that in most of your pieces they convey to me more strength and loyalty, and someone who is an exemplary citizen, but they reveal absolutely no individuality or vulnerability, and so in that sense they remind me of political art and less portraiture.

I've visited to your website, I think your exacting style is great and beautiful to look at. As far as the portraits, if you want to convey the sort of impression that I described, that's certainly valid. I'm just mentioning it as this is a portraiture website and if you are searching to do "true" portraitures, I think more of the person's personality needs to find its way to the viewer.

I hope that explanation makes sense.

Thanks,
Linda

I shall think about your comment first, then will try to answer.

Hello Sergio,

I visited your site. It is apparent from these portraits that your technical ability is great. Your oil portraits as well as your pastels are delicately rendered with beautiful flesh tones.

What bothers me, though, is that they are all so stern looking, not a smile or a hint of one in the whole bunch. This is not to say that all portrait subjects need be smiling, but maybe one or two?

I especially like your portrait of Sharon in pastel. It is beautifully done and the play of light on her face is exquisite. Although I can appreciate this portrait as an artist and the talent it took to make it, it rather leaves me with a cold feeling. Forgive me, if I do not understand where you are coming from or what you are trying to say, but I would be interested in knowing. Your work is exceptional and I would love to see something you have done in a lighter vein.

Hello Alicia,

I did things 15 years ago which were more dynamic. :) Influanced by Soutine.

I do not consider art as something which must please you or make you feel comfortable in your beliefs. The essence of my painting (which I try to say in my latest work: www.fireface.com) is to reveal a feeling of mystery and religious revelation.

My portraits are technical exercises as concerning their essence. I do not really feel obliged to put any positive feelings or smiley ambiance.

I would say that a portrait for me must at the end give the same shock as the view of Mount Everest at sunset.

Regarding the portrait of a Legionary, in particular, I must add two things:

1. It was the first pastel portrait in my life.

2. It is the portrait of a completely amazing person, the portrait of a friend, of somebody whose life is a real novel... His expression is really like that.

I understand, though what you mean. I think soon I will try to do the portrait of my son and my wife and may be some other feelings will come through.

The point is not WHAT you represent but that what you represent fits exactly in what you WANTED to pass to your viewer as an emotion.

Here is the portrait of Sharon (which You discussed earlier). It is a detail... and represents my second pastel portrait I did after the military guy... As you see the technic of graduation of the tons are more subtile.

Sergio, I like your paintings. I think you do feel your subject

Hello, Elizabeth, I saw your pastels -- really joyful, especially "Hanging Out". What is "Wallis" paper?

Thanks Serigo, that is of my youngest daughter and my first full from life, so I know it has some major technical problems, plus the model wasn't too happy to be there either! :)

You can find information about Wallis paper here:

Wallis Paper @ Dick Blicks

I didn't realize it was developed by a Forum member, Kitty Wallis (if they are one and the same), so hopefully she'll see this and give you the personal scoop on the paper.

It is my favorite to work on, it has a lot of bite so I am not sure if people who use pastel pencil or Conte sticks would like it as much. The best way for me to describe it is, it is more like a pink fiberglass texture vs. sandpaper. The texture is not a round bumpy feel, but varies.

Hope that helps.

Amazing, Sergio, that "Sharon" is only your second pastel portrait!

I see from your link that you are a master portratist as well as teacher in Paris. I'm not dippy enough to think that all portraits should be smiley, but a little variety is a good thing.

I can't wait to see the portrait of your wife and son. With your ability to express the human emotion, I am sure it will be wonderful.

I think there is an American pastel portrait painter who draws on cotton. I forgot her name.

I've forgot to put the whole picture of Sharon. So here is it.

She is quite beautiful Sergio. Thanks for posting her.
Alicia