 |
|
Noelle with a Black Dress by Ron Hicks,
2007, oil, 20 x 16. Collection Gallery 1261,
Denver, Colorado. |
|
|
|
I think photography has altered the way we judge the painted portrait. With the ability to capture a photographic likeness—from the details of a person’s features to the minute expressions on the face—came the idea that the more detail you can render, the better your portrait. When it comes to painting, however, this isn’t always the case. Unless an artist is aiming for hyperrealism, chasing a photograph’s appearance with paint can lead to artwork that feels strained and contrived.
Colorado artist Ron Hicks strikes a strong balance between truly seeing his subject and executing a painting that goes beyond the details. In his upcoming Artist Daily DVD,
Mastering Oil Portrait Painting with Ron Hicks, the artist explains that the foundation of any portrait is created with four or five distinct shapes. This is because no two individual’s shapes, or the way the light falls on those shapes, are alike.
It’s a liberating idea, and gives us all a certain level of freedom to pursue portraiture in our own way. You can seek out those distinguishing shapes and then add your own “discovery,” of your subject, as Hicks calls it. It could be a mood or facial expression that catches your attention. Adding your response to a portrait’s shapes is what makes the work unique.
Hicks’ approach to portraiture strongly resonated with me, and I think it’ll inspire you, too. Stay tuned for more information about Ron's upcoming DVD on Artist Daily, and in the meantime there are
brand new resources for all genres, approaches, and media in our
online store. Enjoy!
