Rembrandt Copy

I still copy the masters now and then. It's a great way to push past the limitations of what you think you know, and an excellent way to work yourself out of an inspirational rut.

This is a copy of a Rembrandt self-portrait I did last year in attempt to learn the way he used heavy impasto with flake white.  In the process I also learned how far he really pushed value progressions for extreme contrast.

Coffee Sludgescape: Descent Into an Abyss

Light seems to be emanating from a pool at the bottom and even casting shadows from some of the figures, revealing the craggy brain-like patterns on the walls of the cave. Is the pool the destination or an obstacle they've encountered on their journey?

Braids

One from my extreme color phase, done very soon after a Shanks workshop. It's quite simply a study of light, color, and human skin, and nothing else. It's fairly captivating nonetheless.

Drawing: Old Outsider

More graphite with chalk highlights. A quick study for a Sebastianesque figure that's part of a nine-foot composition that I'm currently working out.

Figure Study

A sketch from the Art Academy of Cincinnati that I did as a demo. I need to work with this kind of directness more often. The fluidity and chunkiness in the paint is delightful.

Drawing: Kelsey

I think this is a graphite drawing with white chalk for highlights. I find it emotionally interesting in the expression and the wisps of hair.

Man Covering Eyes

Another study for "Iconoclast", my Abraham and Isaac interpretation. Again, I'm borrowing strongly from the Roman sculpture "Laocoon and His Sons", part of the Vatican collection.

Laocoon, The Vatican