Quick sketch of Camille

Jan Verhulst · 10-22-2005, 04:47 AM

This is a quick oil sketch after an old black and white photo of the French sculptor Camille Claudel. It is painted on watercolor paper quarter sheet, on top of watercolor sketch of Camille. It took one hour.
I really should appreciate all possible critique and tips to go further, or maybe stop here.
Jan

Julie Deane · 10-22-2005, 10:00 PM

Hi Jan -

You chose very soft, flattering colors for your sketch that go well with the pensive mood on the subject's face. I think it's your call as to whether or not you do more to it. It has a nice feel as is.

As to critique, without the original photo to look at, I can only make a general suggestion based on a symmetrical facial standard: you might want to double-check the placement of the eyes, especially her right eye (our left). It seems like it may be too far to the side.

Best regards....

Julie

Jan Verhulst · 10-23-2005, 02:08 AM

Thanks for your reaction Julie. You are right about the eye. If you want to see the original photo, you can see it here. In general, I think the painting needs some more work. Unfortunately, as a student I'm always afraid to ruin what I already have

I visited your website and admired your beautiful works. You are very talented Julie!
Best regards
Jan

Julie Deane · 10-23-2005, 02:08 PM

What a lovely photograph you are working from, Jan! I can see why you were drawn to it. This might be fun for you to work with in several ways:

1. a study in black and white, maybe charcoal. I find that I do my best work after doing some studies. This gives me a chance to really get to know the person's physical features before adding the complexities of paint and color.
2. Oils, but on a canvas, so that you can play with it and not be in danger of damaging the substrate.

I'll look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.

And thanks for the compliment. It's mainly due to the critiques received on this forum that I can see progress in my own work. Stick around and you'll see what I mean. It's been fun seeing others take giant leaps forward,.
Julie

Allan Rahbek · 10-23-2005, 03:38 PM

Jan,
I like your portrait of Camille, the assistant and mistress of Rodin, and think that you have got a striking likeness. I also like your color choice.

If you want to take it farther I would suggest to work on the shadow side of the face by darkening the general tone and marking the chin features.

I like very much the way you simplify, or summarize, the details like the hair and the dress, the way you draw with a full brush - very mature. But I think that the painting could be better if you would take the features to a more sculptural level.

Allan

Chris Saper · 10-23-2005, 10:22 PM

Dear Jan,

As Open Studio is for works painted from life, I have moved your thread here. I love what you have going on and look forward to more.

Jan Verhulst · 10-24-2005, 12:04 PM

Thanks Julie. It is a good idea to do a black and white study because the photo has a small value-range (almost only black and white) and I can't improved it by photoshop manipulation.
Thanks for your reaction and feedback Allan. Your remarks are very useful for me.
Sorry Chris, I was not aware that I posted in the wrong sub forum

Regards
Jan