I believe there is no other subject in art more intriguing than that of human faces. I find them all encompassing of an individual’s state of being. I have chosen 16 people, whose faces I feel moved to recreate on painted canvas. I know each of them, either casually or intimately, and I have chosen their faces just because they have beautiful and interesting faces, to my eyes.
We all experience and often dread the physical aging process, the lines and imperfections that we see on ourselves while looking closely into the mirror brought on by the years. But, for the faces portrayed in this body of work, the individuals are anything but uncomfortable with my obvious exploitation of theirs. Representing many echelons of age and a variety of race and gender. They have one main thing in common. They are comfortable with who they are today, they are happy, and their ageless spirits shine through in expression and color both in life and in these paintings.
I create larger than life paintings depicting their expressive, unique physical appearance, as the canvas size forces a close up perspective, which might otherwise create some discomfort in real life. In addition to a painted portrait, I offer the viewer a chance to experience each individual’s vibration, essence and beauty. Unlike traditional portraiture, my portraits are not meant to flatter, or make one look younger, to “correct”, or enhance any single detail; but simply to express what I see, what I feel about the person, all gathered from the subject’s unique face.
I work from candid snapshots which I take of each person, in order to communicate an honest view of the individual. The photos allow me to document the truth and grace of aging.
The imperfections, the reality of each person -which I feel are to be celebrated- these are what makes the individual amazing and unique to me. Communicating just how comfortable these extraordinary individuals appear to be in their own skin, as I work to recreate them in my art.
The expressive realist style, rendered with a loose painterly stroke of my brush, many layers of glaze, and the brightly hued backdrops reflected upon the skin, and hair offer an animated essence. Placing the subject in front of the mostly solid backdrop, invites the viewer to focus on the faces. The bright colors, as well, communicate the powerful vibration, joy, beauty, and distinct pulsating spirit in each of these faces. |
