A helping hand

Mike McCarty · 08-09-2002, 06:17 PM

Although I don't think these type of comparisons are fair I thought I'd share what I just learned about combining images.

This is part of an oil painting that I am working on, 16 x 20 on linen. I can't imagine the face being a whole lot more difficult than this. I can see that I misplaced the small ring on the pinky but I think it's still plausable. Any thoughts on improving would be appreciated.

Mari DeRuntz · 08-09-2002, 11:45 PM

Hi Mike,

Look at the top contour line of the hand for the real form. I think you've over-simplified what is really going on. There's a great article on artrenewal.com by ted seth jacobs about structure in anatomy. I think it's a constant struggle that painters have to deal with: we fill in the blanks with our minds instead of observing what is clearly in front of us, sort of reverting to "stick figure" interpretations our minds are providing.

The lighting and color-handling is, as always, gorgeous. I see the highlights as more bluish (cooler), but that may be my monitor, etc.

Mike McCarty · 08-10-2002, 11:17 AM

Mari,

Thanks for the comments, I think your analysis is right on the money. I concentrated on trying to get the color and value and the form got stretched out. The hand is more gnarly than I portrayed. I have a long way to go with this painting and I think I can fix this pretty easily. I did want the hand to be good. I have placed it as a prominent part of the composition. More than the usual supporting cast member.

I have a theory about where I start to paint on a painting. As usual this is not borne out of years of training at the academy in the south of France (or S. Texas). If I first paint the face, and do what I would consider to be my best effort, I tend to rush through the rest. I become less diligent on the other supporting features. But if I start with what I consider to be the least important feature and work my way toward the face I tend to do the best I can on each feature as I progress up the scale of importance. It may be that in my mind I know the challenge is the likeness of the person, the face, and having faced that challenge my energy and concentration begin to wain.

No doubt this thinking comes from being left in the woods as a child and taught to paint by wolves.

Daniel Arredondo · 08-11-2002, 10:38 AM

Great job, Mike.

This is your Belize lady. When are we going to see the rest of your painting? After I posted a few paintings and seeing mistakes on the computer, before any critiques, I realized the photograph gives me a third eye. This is sort of like seeing your painting through a mirror.

Daniel

Jeanine Jackson · 08-12-2002, 10:41 AM

This hand has great form! Your values and edges are inspirational.

I think the contour comments are more important than the ring position. Many of us mass the big shapes together in the early stages. My teacher, Passantino, says it is important - eventually - to consider each finger individually. Can you can see from the photo how each digit is actually going in a slightly different direction?

Rather than gnarly (a characteristic no woman would want!), I hope you capture the gentle interest from your excellent photo source. I also see cooler hightlights there which I would not comment on without seeing the entire painting.

I can't wait to see the big picture!

Mike McCarty · 08-12-2002, 01:19 PM

Jeanine,

How about this: Tired of those gnarly hands? Then come in and let Mike McCarty create values and edges that are inspirational! Huh? Not bad, I think. Kinda like one of those car commercials.

I've made some changes, thankfully to only one hand, and I think I need to move on to a different part of her anatomy. About the cool tones. I find that I always see and paint things warmer than they actually are.

Patt Legg · 08-16-2002, 02:43 PM

Quote:

No doubt this thinking comes from being left in the woods as a child and taught to paint by wolves.

Mike, I like the hand that you did and would love to see the rest of the painting. I just had to comment on the above quote because having read many of your comments since I joined this Forum, I must say that your personality shines within your words and comments. I not only enjoy your artwork but your wonderful sense of humor.

Thanks for being here,
Patt

Mike McCarty · 08-16-2002, 06:10 PM

No really, I was raised by woooolves. Your kind comments only encourage this sort of behavior.

Pat, thanks for liking my hand. I am working on the painting each day and look forward to showing it when it is complete.