Cornelis Van der Geest - wip01

I just transferred the drawing and dry brush the basic tone of the painting. I am using raw umber but I realise that Van Dyck might be using Burnt umber. Its because see some of the burnt umber showing through in the background. The support I am using is a gessoed (acrylic) wood panel.

Van Dyck's Portrait of Cornelis Van der Geest

This is a portrait of Cornelis Van der Geest by Anthony Van Dyck. Its one of my favorite portraits. I will attempt to copy this portrait since it will be the subject of a class I plan to teach. (Classical painting techniques on Portraits.) The course will cover the technique used by Van Dyck, the background and start to finish process. The size of the copy will be as close as the original painting about 13in x 15in.

Some demo drawings and a painting sketch

Here are some demo drawings from my drawing class on Tuesdays. Usually I dont finish them as you can see. ;) I have several request for a portrait painting class so maybe in the new year I will start one with the Festival or on the side. (depending on my schedule too)

Drawing from a skull cast.

This exercise was using subtraction. You start off with a mid tone using vine charcoal and then you erase or subtract the areas where it is lighter in value. It is a great exercise to let you see in 2 or 3 values.

 One of the Bargue exercises.

 I recently met and visited Tex Lecor at his Studio. He is one of the great artists from Quebec. Not only he paints, he is a famous folk singer in the 70's and had some TV shows too. A real renaissance gentleman.

 Another subtraction exercise demo.



Why Beauty Matters

This is a veryinteresting documantary hosted by philospher/ writer Roger Scruton about beauty and why we need it. 6 parts.

Renato 'Boy' Sagario 1942 - 2010 RIP

I just learned yesterday that artist and teacher Renato 'Boy' Sagario in Cebu, Philippines passed away at the age of 68. He was my very first art teacher back in 1980 at Gallery 90. I attended the summer art workshop with Boy Sagario and continued under him for several years before he recommended me to Tony Vidal. His teachings I still remember and I today teach what he taught me. I did my very first portrait with him which was a portrait of my father.(below) He was born to be a teacher and even in his 60's he was teaching. He will surely be missed. God Bless you Boy and may your teaching live in the future generations to come. RIP.

Cuba sketches

I went to Cuba with a good friend of mine last month. Good times...doing nothing, relaxing and sketchin'...

Les Pastellistes - Vernissage

I did a live portrait demo with 3 other artists (Denis Jacques, Margaret Small and Ann Rochefort) at the vernissage of the 15th Les Pastellistes Exhibition. I was very nervous but I think it went ok. The model's name is Isabelle.

 Left: Denis Jacques' work.  right: Ann Rochefort's work

 left: Margaret Small's work . Right: my work

 After about 1 hour of work.

 Picture with the model.

 Left large painting is Danielle Richards'. One of my pastels is to the right of the lights.

Les Pastellistes - 15th annual exhibition

This year I am participating in the annual pastel exhibition by Pastel Society of Eastern Canada. I have a couple of pieces in the show. I am very excited because I will doing a live portrait demo with 2 other artists before the vernissage on Nov. 5th at 4pm. See the complete list of demonstrations on PSEC website http://pastelsec.com/PDFs/Demos-Ogilvy2010.pdf
I hope to see you there...

William Bougueareau Catalog Raisonne

Wow! I am so excited.  I just receive my copy of William Bouguereau Catalog Raisonne. Its is a 2 volume set. I have been waiting for this catalog for a couple of years. I will be sleeping late tonight for sure. If you have a chance to get hold of this book, do so and its a must-have for the contemporary representational artist or student.

Poil de la Bete

I did some concept art for the film Le poil de la Bête which wil be in theatres very soon. (Oct 1, 2010)

 I also did a maquette base on one of the drawings.

Festival de Peinture a Mascouche 2010

The festival this year was one of the more successful ones. I sold my first work of art (the first drawing from the right) and it was bought by our honorary artist Humberto Pinochet! What an honor. He is of Chilean origin but has been in Quebec for the past 30+ years. Check out his inspiring work on his website.
I also gave an atelier on portrait drawing to a group of fellow artists. It was nerve wracking since being in front of many talented artists! But I think it went well. :)

My corner at the festival.

Worked on a portrait of Allison when she was about 2-3 years old. pastel on Canson board 16x20.

I also did a portrait in oil of a young soldier. oil on canvas sheet 11x14

Predators movie

I am so excited....Friday July 9th ....Predators. One of the most challenging films I worked on. I hope it rocks! :)

http://www.predators-movie.com/

One day workshop on Pastel Portrait

One day workshop: Doing a portrait in pastel
May 29, 2010 Saturday (9h30 - 16h) 50$
Maximum 11 places
held at bâtiment culturel de la ville de Mascouche (2906, chemin Ste-Marie Mascouche)
For reservation or more information, please contact: info@festivalpeinturemascouche.com ou 450 474-4133, poste 2730
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Atelier d'un jour: Portrait en pastel sec.
29 Mai 2010 Samedi (9h30 a 16h) 50$
maximum 11 places
bâtiment culturel de la ville de Mascouche (2906, chemin Ste-Marie Mascouche)
Pour vous inscrire ou obtenir plus de détails : info@festivalpeinturemascouche.com ou 450 474-4133, poste 2730

another head study

On Canson paper. 8.5 x 11. brown and white chalk.

Head study

Head Study. 8.5 x 11 Canson paper. charcoal, brown and white chalk.

Life Drawings March 2010

Figure Doodle Feb 2010 week 1

Some doodles from photo referenced life poses. Just thought I would do one a day to keep my observation sharp.