Figurative Fridays: Beauty All Around

Everyone is beautiful. Everyone. Everywhere. You have to recognize that if you want to be an effective figurative painter. 

"Evening Out," 9"x 12", Oil on Board

Because that's the key to figurative painting: finding how to convey that beauty through paint. Don't limit yourself to the ideals that are prevalent in our culture right now. Current trends in our culture try to downplay what makes each person absolutely unique. They strive for a "sameness." The figurative painter's job is the opposite: you have to really see each individual subject. Really look at the person you're going to paint: something about them is going to grab you. It might be the shape of their hair, the color bouncing from their clothes, their eyes. Ask yourself: "What is visually interesting to me?"  

Detail from "Beijing Afternoon," 24" x18", Oil on Board

Sometimes you have to step back and evaluate what you're seeing not who. Look beyond your limited knowledge of how people like this subject have been portrayed before. Look at the shape, color, and value you see in that individual subject in front of you.

There is always something about another human being that delights the mind and eye. Paint what truly visually interests you and the painting will be beautiful. But paint what you think beauty is without really seeing your subject and you will just have a caricature based on preconceived notions. The world is full of beautiful people you just have to stop and really look to see them. 

"Sweet Music", 8"x10", Oil on Board