Another young artist's portrait

Piety Choi · 07-30-2005, 04:28 PM

This painting is what I've mentioned in the last post, "An artist and his puppet". I was hesitated to post it here, because this one doesn't have character of the traditional portrait as most portraits that posted in the Forum had.

I've planed to practice more realistic one. But when I started under painting with blue and green on her face, I've been attracted by strong impression and character. So I made like this.

The object on the right corner in dark side is the symbol of her inner-mind.

Left lower side is too bright? I think the light was nearer on that side when I took pictures.

36x36, oil on canvas.

Any comments are welcome!!!

Alexandra Tyng · 07-31-2005, 05:13 PM

Piety,

I have been thinking about what to say to you because, as you said, this portrait is not traditional. I think it was very brave of you to post it on this forum because the artists here definitely strive for realism.

What I like about it--and about your other portrait--is that you have an introspective way of portraying the people you paint. You really capture what is going on inside them. Their feelings, their intensity, their imagination come through to me. This is a real strength in your work.

I know you recently went through art school where there is more emphasis on finding a "different" way of expressing yourself. The qualities in a painting that would be praised and rewarded at PAFA, for instance, would not be those qualities that would earn you praise from a portrait painter who was trained at a traditional atelier. At many art schools, students go to great lengths to find "different" ways of self-expression, but if you were to try to be true to yourself by painting realistically, that might not be considered "different" enough, and you might not get noticed for it or encouraged to keep going in that direction.

I am saying all this because I notice a tension, or maybe a conflict, between realism and expressionism in this portrait. Some parts of it, like the light side of the face and the neck, shoulders and shirt, are very realistic. Other parts, such as the shadow side of her face and the background, are subjective. Instead of working well together, the objective and subjective aspects do not communicate what you have intended. For instance, the shadow side of the face appears bruised. When I first looked at it I thought she had a huge black eye. When I read your explanation, the painting made more sense, but my personal feeling is that the painting should communicate something (even something ambiguous) without needing an explanation. I like the background and I feel this would have worked if you hadn't made me wonder whether she is an abuse victim who is running away from a house.

I hope I am not too critical, and that you will not be upset at my honesty. I see this as a philosophical problem which you will have to resolve by painting more and more. It is NOT a question of talent. You so obviously have loads of talent and a lot to say through art. I think your painting of the artist and puppet is so remarkable. It could not have been accidentally created by someone who did not know what they were doing. It is brilliant! In some ways, this portrait is brilliant, too. But I think it is inconsistent. I think the inconsistencies will resolve themselves in your future work as you figure out what direction you want to go in, and how best you can express your unique talent.

Alex

Piety Choi · 07-31-2005, 09:00 PM

Alex, thank you so much for considering me. You are so kind. You've explained exactly where I am. Yes, this painting represents the young artist's character, and at the same time it shows I'm in some kind of conflicts, I'm wandering around.

I'm really happy that I posted this painting in the Forum, because I could hear the great advice like yours. I want to discuss more and more on the other issues too (some day in person?).

Thanks,
Piety

Henry Wienhold · 07-31-2005, 09:17 PM

I like this portrait Piety, possibly the young lady you portrayed here is going through the same circumstances that Alexandra described so well above, if that is the case then indeed you have captured her very well. Very intense, expressive work.

You have new fan here in Ohio, keep up the great work.

Piety Choi · 08-01-2005, 03:02 PM

Henry, thank you for your warm encouragement!

I just tried to break out from my small world. My model was not an abused one, but she also has conflicts, struggling, failure in her mind as an artist like me. But she is not just focused on the negative way or bound herself, turn around her view and look forward to the bright side. Sorry about more explaining about the story, a painting should communicate without explanation as Alex said. I absolutely agree with that.

I'll keep try hard.

Thanks,
Piety

Alexandra Tyng · 08-01-2005, 03:34 PM

I think the Philadelphia artists will have to get together, maybe at the Drexeline? Borders? Or how about Genuardi's produce section?

Yes, we will have to continue discussing!

Piety Choi · 08-02-2005, 12:17 AM

Alex, Borders, Genaudi's Produce section, all are fine. I found the Drexeline is 3-4 minutes away from my home.

How about your studio, if you don't mind?

It will be good to hear from the great experienced artist.

Thanks,
Piety