Live Portrait Demo

[Jonathan Hardesty]

Hi Everyone,
This past friday I gave a three hour live portrait demo at the studio of an artist (Michael Holter) near where I live. He gave me a call a couple weeks ago and asked if I could do a demo for the local "art walk" so I agreed...I had never done one before. I had my wife model for me so I could be sure the model would stay still.

I don't really paint in public very often (apart from my students over my shoulder) so this was really fun. I ended up on the front page of the paper as well this past Saturday which was cool.

I am not the most attractive man. My wife, however, is very beautiful...so naturally the photographer kept my mug out of the picture. I can't tell you how many people said to me, "You have such a beautiful model". I was just trying not to mess up her face.

For all who are interested you can click below to see the newspaper article. It's nothing big just to warn you.

http://www.jonathanhardesty.com/mariestudy1.htm

[Sharon Knettell]

Jonathan,

Beautiful!

Usually when I have seen demos, most artists will use a higher contrast which is much easier to bring off.

You have acheived a beautiful degree of subtlety in a short and pressure filled amount of time.

Lovely.

[Chris Saper]

Jonathan,

Your portrait is simply beautiful.The painting has life and spontaneity, and sensitivity.

Your article is a big deal and is well deserved. Congratulations!

[Marina Dieul]

Beautiful (model and painting) and very expressive.
Do you paint on blue canvas?

[Alexandra Tyng]

Jonathan,

I agree totally with everyone else. This is an amazing piece of work. Although it is true that your wife is beautiful, it is the life and expression that you brought out of her and put into your creation that really make this special. I love your colors, and your shadows are so nice and transparent.

[Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco]

Jonathan, a really impressive accomplishment, especially under time and audience pressure! Could you please tell us what your palette was for this painting to allow you such speed ?
Ilaria

[Jan Verhulst]

I like this painting a lot

[Jonathan Hardesty]

Jan Verhulst - Thanks!

For anyone who is interested here are some pictures from the event. I sent this out with my most recent newsletter but I thought you guys might be interested as well.

http://www.jonathanhardesty.com/news...pics/jonsdemo/

This is the closest I can get to progression pics. Sorry!

[Michele Rushworth]

I always find photos of other artist's studios and demos fascinating. I particularly liked how you put the top easel clamp on upside down. That way the big wide ledge doesn't cast a shadow on the top of your painting. And propping that plastic box below the painting makes the lower edge of the canvas accessible too. Very clever! (Of course, it's a lovely painting, too!)

[Janel Maples]

Thank you for sharing these. I enjoyed them very much.