The Barefoot Pianist
 

My latest portrait commission (30" x 40"). Pianos are wonderful to paint.

Man... that's a great piece!
Loved it!

Great composition! I love all the blue reflections on the piano and the balance achieved with the little fireplace on the left. Wonderful piece!

Lovely, atmospheric painting.
I like the balance of complementary colour, it works beautifully. Is it in oils or acrylics?

Wow, this is bold, powerful, and original, Clive! I love it. Even on a purely abstract level, it is among the strongest compositions I've seen. It also says a lot for the high level of musicianship your subject must have. The lighting is fantastic!

All the best,

Garth

I love this! Especially the piano. I love the clean and sharp way you have painted it.

Clive,

Every time you post something new I know it's going to be a visual treat. This does not disappoint! The composition is stunningly bold. I love the angles and sweeping curves of the piano, and the way you made the decision to cut off the top. I just increases the impression of abstraction. The fire and the boy deep in concentrated playing complete the scene. Looking at this, I feel you saw the scene and knew just how it could work, what to put in and what to leave out.

Thank you all for your kind words. This was actually a dream sitting - something I cannot say too often when painting 14 yearolds. Ben (the pianist) is an extremely self-assured young man and a really accomplished musician. He was very relaxed and knew exactly what I was wanting. Chopin is one of his favorite composers so I wanted to get the mood of a nocturne - so I used a lot of blue in my pallet. I put the fire in later as a symbol for a young, prodigious talent. I like the way that the flames, shapes, and reflections in the piano almost have a musical quality in themselves. I also like the way in which there is a wonderful juxtaposition of classical sophistication and modern, youthful energy.