Self-portraits

Self-Portrait First 2010 Mixed Media on Paper 36"x23"

Self-Portrait Second 2010 Mixed Media on Paper 36"x23" 

Self-Portrait Third 2010 Mixed Media on Paper 36"x23" 

Self-Portrait Fourth 2010 Mixed Media on Paper 36"x23" 

Self-portrait in Six Tones 2010 Oil on Canvasboard 24"x20"

Though I've done numerous self-portraits in the past, it's been a while since I've explored it as any kind of series.  

Figure Drawing 1

Figure drawing is my favorite.  These are all from life.  

I like putting multiple figures on the page for a number of reasons.  Not only is it economical, it allows me a way to transform them from being only studies to something more when there's a bunch overlapping.  Overlapping the figures is also a way for me to exercise my mental muscles of not making things precious.  Train myself further in composition by doing.

The first one with the big-headed Poe was a nice change for Halloween.  One of the illustration teachers at MassArt was cool enough to pose for us in that giant mask that he made himself.  The room might've been 75, but in there it was probably at least 90 degrees.  Thanks for suffering for us Mark, I appreciate your sacrifice for my art.  Serious.

23"X36" grease pencils and ink/watercolor on paper

23"X36" grease pencils and ink/watercolor on paper

23"X36" grease pencils and ink/watercolor on paper

23"X36" grease pencils and ink/watercolor on paper

23"X36" grease pencils and ink/watercolor on paper

23"X36" grease pencils and ink/watercolor on paper

23"X36" grease pencils and ink/watercolor on paper

23"X36" grease pencils and ink/watercolor on paper

Painting the figure, Godzilla, and a skeleton too.

Painting alla prima = Battling the mud

Alla prima, meaning, I try to get the painting in done in a couple o' hours.  No time to wait for it to dry.  Just keep sloppin' that paint on, and if it don't work, take it off and try again.
It's best just to get it right the first time.  Look real hard before you put down that paint.  Really.
Painting the figure in oil is a challenge I enjoy.

Oil on canvasboard. 20"x24"

Oil on canvasboard. 20"x24"

Oil on canvasboard. 16"x20"

Oil on canvasboard. 20"x24"

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Oil on canvas.  10"x40"

Oil on plastic appetizer plate.  14" 'round.

Oil on canvas. 24"x24"

Oil on canvasboard.   20"x24"

Oil on canvas.  18"x32"

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Below are some paintings of Godzilla, all in oil.  The top two are on canvasboard, and the bottom one is on an oval canvas.  From top to bottom, sizes are 20"x24", 16"x20", and 20"x24".

Oil on canvasboard.  20"x24" 

Oil on canvasboard.  16"x20"

Oil on canvas. 20"x24"

To those who ask me if I'll ever stop painting Godzilla, I say, "No.  Never!"
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Not just because it's in time for Halloween, more importantly, I just like skeletons.  This is the first of a series that I plan on doing.

Acrylic on unstretched canvas.  Approx. 8"x20"

Acrylic on canvasboard.  16"x20"

Acrylic on canvas.  8"x10"