Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post

Steven Sweeney · 10-11-2002, 09:57 AM

Mr. Weistling,

Welcome to this active and interested community of portrait artists, professional and aspiring.

I hope your first advices will be taken very much to heart by all who seek to discover the "secrets" of painting not only wood, but drapery (including satin effects), hair, fleshtones, cabernet in a wineglass, and all the other nameable objects. The "secret" is to learn to look, to see what's there, and not what you think you know is there, what you think you know that object looks like based on previous observation of other wood, hair, eyes, and so on.

I hope, too, that many will take to heart your admonition to squint. There's no better way to simplify and to see what's important.

Again, welcome. Your expert contribution is gratefully received.

10-11-2002, 09:57 AM	#7
Steven Sweeney Juried Member PT 5+ years Joined: Nov 2001 Location: Stillwater, MN Posts: 1,801	Mr. Weistling, Welcome to this active and interested community of portrait artists, professional and aspiring. I hope your first advices will be taken very much to heart by all who seek to discover the "secrets" of painting not only wood, but drapery (including satin effects), hair, fleshtones, cabernet in a wineglass, and all the other nameable objects. The "secret" is to learn to look, to see what's there, and not what you think you know is there, what you think you know that object looks like based on previous observation of other wood, hair, eyes, and so on. I hope, too, that many will take to heart your admonition to squint. There's no better way to simplify and to see what's important. Again, welcome. Your expert contribution is gratefully received. __________________ Steven Sweeney [email protected] "You must be present to win."