A look at famous paintings of George Washington
December 5, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
Depictions of America’s first president can be found being carried by almost every person in the United States. The dollar bill and quarter feature George Washington’s face, so more than 200 years after his presidency Americans can still instantly recognize his image. Several well-known portraits of Washington have risen to prominence in the two centuries since his death because of their accuracy not only in representing Washington’s physical image, but their attempt to portray the great personality that emanated from him.
THE ATHENAEUM PORTRAITS
This might be the most commonly viewed artwork in America, since a replica of this painting has been on every one-dollar bill printed since 1869. Artist Gilbert Stuart began two paintings at the request of first lady Martha Washington.
These paintings were intended to hang one day in the retirement home of the Washingtons, but they were never completed. Only the faces of George and Martha were finished because Stuart, though a master of portrait painting, reported it was difficult for him to paint Washington’s face. Stuart also said that the tight-lipped appearance of Washington was the effect of his newly inserted set of false teeth. It is fascinating that this unfinished portrait rose to such prominence in American society.
THE LANDSOWNE PORTRAIT
Also painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1796, the Landsowne portrait was a gift to a British nobleman who was supportive of American independence. It features Washington standing in a black suit with a sword in hand, gesturing to his right and surrounded by various symbolic items in high detail.
These include a wooden table with a leg that is carved with the symbols of the Seal of the United States including eagles and arrows. Books on the table include the Federalist Papers, which were documents written in support of the Constitution, and the Journal of Congress, reflecting Washington’s passion for Democratic ideology and his work as the President. An inkwell on the table features the Washington family seal and sits next to a paper, possibly representing the documents that Washington would sign into law. In the window, dark clouds and a rainbow may symbolize turbulent times of revolution that had come and gone as Washington was in charge.
WASHINGTON CROSSING THE DELAWARE
This 1851 painting by Emanuel Leutze depicts a dramatic scene of Washington leading a wave of forces across the Delaware River during the surprise attack on Christmas of 1776 in the Revolutionary
Find the Best Commission Portrait Artists
December 2, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
You will need to look for talented and experienced commission portrait artists in order to turn your preserved photographs into precious pieces of art.
No matter which ever occasion it is, we are always left with dozens of photographs with memories captured in them. With time, many of these photographs get faded away in the albums, along with the memories. On the other hand, there are some photographs which never fade, like the memories captured in them
.
To commission a portrait from such photographs will be a great idea. Your memories will be put down on canvas and turned into precious pieces of art, which you can treasure forever. In fact by turning your cherished photos into marvelous oil painting portraits, you can keep your memories fresh forever.
For creating portrait paintings from photographs, you should select photographs which are bright and were taken in proper light. Photographs taken in natural light are better than photographs having the effect of loud flash. The pictures should have clarity, so that the artist can use the perfect colors and brush strokes to give the paintings a real look.
However, to get a portrait commissioned from a photograph, it is important that you find a portrait artist who can do the work in the most perfect and professional manner. It will be always better to look for artists who specialize in portrait commission because they can do the work more precisely and accurately than any other artist.
Whether you want to get family portrait paintings created or want a portrait of yourself, it will be wise to approach artists who expertise in creating portraits.
They know about the minutest detail which should be taken care of while creating a portrait painting. Therefore, the finishing which they will give to the portraits will make them look different from others and look real.
If you want to get family portrait paintings created or want to get a photograph put down on canvas by expert artists, you can visit www.portrayers.com.
Is artistic skill natural or learned?
November 30, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Abstract & Cubism
There are many misconceptions surrounding the modern art world. One of which is the insinuation that only naturally talented illustrators can become great artists. This myth can be easily defused when one studies the history of modern art.
Since the development of the camera(camera obscura)and its wide spread popularity in the mid 1800s, the art world began to look for new outlets for inspiration. The days of the renaissance had brought forward the skills necessary to paint and sculpt to the degree of realistic proportions needed to keep tangible records of people and places. The majority of artist before the nineteenth century would rely on portrait painting and commission work from wealthy aristocratic families. The camera change everything.
Once the need for realistic artwork for record keeping had been virtually abolished, art began to take on new meaning. Artist became less concerned with realistic work and art evolved into other forms such as impressionism,symbolism,cubism and surrealism. These art forms in many cases do not require the traditional skills,or natural drawing ability one might expect critical to achieve great works.
Art in todays world is so vast and integrated with new ideas, it is hard to pin point what classifies as artistic skill. It could be argued that artistic skill is the embodiment of an idea. Art is not what the creator envisions but the feeling and emotion of the observer who interacts with it.
It would be wrong to say that natural drawing or sculpting skills will not help an artist excel in their studies. However, mostly all great artist in the past or contemporary, have studied under great teachers.
Portrait painting tips – Part 9
October 16, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
In school, I thought that I had everything figured out. Drawing has always come naturally to me. I have always done it, done it well, and been appreciated for it by those who ask me to perform. I had no idea that there was so much more to a good portrait than simply slapping a face on paper or canvas. I learned that a number of techniques used often can enhance the artist’s skill, thereby enhancing how the subject receives their picture.
Blind drawing was the most difficult for me to grasp. To perform a true “Full Blind” drawing, one must have a subject with at least a semi-complex nature, no perfect orbs or cubes, a peaceful area to draw without interruption. Buy large sized paper, best 2×4 or equivalent, something cheap. Get some tape and fix the paper to your desk. Next, tape a second page over the first, but only at the top. Now, with a pencil or pen, and looking only at your subject, place your drawing hand beneath the top page so you can’t see it, and look at your subject. Pick a good starting point, and start a single line-do not lift your pencil or pen-and describe every minute detail.
How frustrating is that? I know. Now look at your work. Does it seem anything like your subject? Unless you’ve got an engraver’s brain, probably not. What you’ve gained is perspective into the substance of the object, and a better idea of how your eye-brain interprets the image. Keep doing this on more complex subjects, but never expect your drawings to look much like the items. Get a friend and draw them, or just stare at your hand or foot and draw that to get a sample of living art.
Now, try your hand at “Half-Blind” drawings (no pun intended). With the same set up as before, begin to trace the subject, but stop every so often and look at your work. You’ll start to discover the ability to guide your hand in a direction more befitting your intention. Do many of these, and try to have family or friends model whenver possible. If you can’t get anyone you know, it’s time to take the act on the road. Go to a coffee shop, pick an unsuspecting victim, and capture them as best you can. You may get noticed, but so what? That’s what you want, remember?
With a heavier pencil, like a 6B or 8B, or a black, double-sided Tomba pen, and a tan eraser, take the same objects you’ve been drawing and capture only positive and negative space. With the pencil, blacken the entire page you’re using. Once it’s very, very dark, take your tan, crumbly eraser (and NOTHING
Create An Oil Painting Masterpiece From Your Photos
August 9, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
The tradition of portrait painting was prevalent prior to the development of photography. Royal and aristocratic families used to have paintings of family members from past generations. Couples that got engaged used to send portrait paintings to one another before their marriage. Photography has taken the place of portrait painting tradition. However, it is well known that photographs fade away with time, while an oil painting can last for many generations. The portrait becomes a souvenir for the family and an artistic item deepening the family roots. Your image becomes real for next generations and a beautiful moment in the present becomes a personal item decorating your house.
Painting an oil portrait is a task that requires a lot of skill and patience. Not many painters can create a portrait which reflects well the painted figures. Such an artwork painting can last about 1 week (depending on the size and complexity of the painting). Many of you probably think that they can’t afford such a painting. You probably think that it costs 1000s of dollars. Well… Truth is, that you don’t have to come from a royal family to have your own hand painted oil portrait hung on your wall.
Years ago, if we wanted to have an oil portrait of ourselves, we had to sit in front of the portraitist for hours and hours in order for him to complete the task. Today, all that is needed is to send some good quality digital photos by email to the painter, who prints them on an A4 paper, or even better, uses a projector to project the photo on the canvas and your very own oil portrait is being born….
Today, if you want to have an oil portrait of all your family for example, you don’t need to send the painter a photo of all your family. You can send separate photos of each member of the family and ask the painter to put them together in one painting. You can ask for specific background, change clothes, hair or anything that else that you feel like. The sky is the limit.
The technology of today allows us to view our portrait online while it is being painted. The artist only needs to take a photo of it and send to us, so we can see it being created and tell the artist if we want him to change anything. This way, you can feel as you are taking an active part of your work of art.
While all this technology that makes the oil portrait painting easier and affordable, it may seem a bit less romantic to some of you. One thing I can assure you – the result is as romantic as it used to be hundreds of years ago.
The oil painting we create from your photo, becomes the most personal and unique gift you can give to your loved ones for their anniversary, wedding, birthday or any moment you would like to turn into a special one.
PaintYourLife.com vision is to renew this beautiful tradition, and to make it affordable to as many people as we can. Our network of artists in various countries allow us to reduce costs, and give our customers the most competitive prices, so that not only royal families will be able to afford an oil portrait, but almost everyone of you!
Any Occasion Portraits: A portrait oil painting for all occasions
August 7, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding oil paintings as Birthday gifts for your wife. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about oil paintings as Birthday gift for your wife.
Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:
The perfect Birthday
If your wife’s Birthday is round the corner and you aren’t sure what to give her, consider a painting portrait. Not just unusual, such gifts represent a personal touch which no photograph or conventional gift can provide. These paintings can make for an excellent Birthday gift for your wife which she is sure to cherish throughout her life. Celebrate your wife in the classic way by giving her an oil painting with her own portrait on it. It not only makes you look more romantic, but also very thoughtful in your choice of gift.
Your wedding day
Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most special days of your life. Why not make it extra special by celebrating your newly wedded wife? Give her a portrait painting of her family on it. It will make her feel nostalgic and realize how much you care for her. She can relive those happy moments spent with her family with these oil paintings. Such paintings make for a spectacular and unique wedding gift. She will cherish such a gift for all of her life.
Wedding anniversaries
Marriages get better with time, just like fine wine. This wedding anniversary, bring out the romance and love by giving your wife a portrait painting of herself. It will show her how much you care for her and will also celebrate her beauty via the oil painting. Such gifts lend a personal touch which can never compare with any conventional gift. So this anniversary make sure to present your beloved wife with a personalized anniversary gift of an oil painting. Bring in the love all over again.
As your knowledge about an oil painting as a Birthday gift for your wife continues to grow, you will begin to see how an oil painting as a Birthday gift for your wife fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.
Why Is A Portrait Painting Significant
July 31, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
Are you one of the persons who give high regard to a work of art? Do you value all the beautiful paintings, designs and photographs you see around you? Cant you help yourself but be stunned with all the good portrayals of images you come across of? Well, if you are such an individual who looks into every art as a beautiful craft, then you will surely be happy to look for a portrait painting artist. You will surely be astounded with every portrait painting these individuals pour their hearts on. Here are some of the purposes behind these masterpieces.
A painting may serve as a unique gift or present for your loved ones. Not all people have the eyes to give value to a portrait painting. However, if you have already been lost for things which you may use for gift-giving purposes, a portrait is a very good present. You will surely be thanked by your recipient a hundred times more – especially if the portrait painting artist made the work brilliantly. If you want the plan to work out at its best, you may give a picture of your receiver and have it be crafted as a masterpiece.
Just for plain house display. A portrait painting is usually seen hanging on the walls of a house particularly in the living room. Your family portrait is a very ideal welcoming sight for your visitors. You may also hang on some portrait paintings in your dining room or ask your portrait painting artist to make one for you in your bedroom. These are splendid displays that will surely leave you utterly happy all the time. As it serves this particular purpose, you bring more value to your entire residence.
A portrait painting is also a good memento. If you are holding an affair in the office and you have speakers whom you requested to help you out with the event, a portrait is a great token of appreciation for the efforts. This is also a good keepsake for people retiring from an industry or a simple office. Once you get your portrait painting artist to do the work, the honoree will surely be thrilled that you have given value to the efforts he extended to the company for all the years of his life.
It may also serve as a reminder of an event. Aside from taking photos kept in photo albums, one good thing to remind you of a special occasion is through a portrait painting. This work of art is one of the reminders of how the party went. The most common examples of instances which will seek the help of a portrait painting artist are weddings. Since these opportunities come only once in a lifetime, it is but proper to have your own souvenir from the event.
Apart from aesthetic pleasures of a portrait painting, it is also considered functional. Whatever occasion or reason you will use this work of art for, you are always faced with the best options yet the most challenging ones when it comes to choosing a portrait painting artist. Make sure you look for someone who will exert efforts to bring your image in consonance with your objectives.
Portraits….the Best Way to Brighten Up a Room
June 21, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Portraits
Portrait painting is the art of depicting a human face. The features and characteristics of an individual are depicted in fine detail. The artist pays close attention to the features of the individual, especially eyes which are the most expressive of all the features, and presents them in finest of detail.
At times people confuse portraits with representation of a face only. A portrait can depict the face of the subject or the entire body of the subject too. A portrait painting tries to capture the emotion of the subject. The emotion can be of sorrow, happiness, dismay, despair etc. The challenge lies before the artist to capture the emotion of the subject in true, unadulterated form.
History
The art of making portrait paintings originated in ancient Egypt. Kings, emperors and nobles in high positions used to get their portrait made in order to immortalise themselves in the painting, save it and pass it on to the future generations.
It was during the Renaissance period that portraits were valued and were given due importance. Portrait paintings evolved during this time and the works of artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Raphael further added to the popularity of portraits.
For decoration purpose
Portraits are a great way of decorating a home and also gifting a beautiful portrait to someone is a great idea. A portrait; be it of a single person or of a group can enhance the beauty of a room further and makes it even more vibrant and lively.
Before buying a portrait check out the layout, colour and frame of the portrait painting and make sure that it gels with the wall in the room. However, if you come across a portrait of your choice on some fine online art gallery then don’t let go of the portrait just because it is not matching with the colour of the wall or the theme of the room. It is better that you change the shade of the wall rather than letting go of the portrait. After all it is not everyday that you find a portrait which appeals to you in the first glance.
The best places to hang a portrait
? Generally the living room and dining room are the first preferences of people to hang the portrait. As apart from family members, guests too can have a look at them and admire their beauty.
? The entrance of a home is another good place to hang a portrait. There is no better way to welcome guests than with a beautiful portrait.
? You can also display portraits on the staircase. Portraits give life to the otherwise dead staircase.
Check the internet and you will easily find an online art gallery from where you can buy beautiful portrait paintings and original paintings. Browse the online gallery, have a look at each of the pieces of work done by contemporary artists and then buy a portrait with which you can immediately feel a connection.
Portrait Paintings
February 27, 2009 by Portrait Painter
Filed under Art
The term ‘Portrait’ is usually used for paintings which portray the face of a person. But you will find that many portrait paintings presents the complete body of a person too.
Portrait paintings are usually created to represent the features and characteristics of an individual. The portrait artists try to emphasize the details of the features in the portrait. Some times the artists also make some changes in the portrait, if demanded by the individual whose portrait is being made.
The concept of portrait paintings originated in Egypt. If we go back to ancient times, we will find that well known personalities and individuals in high positions in society, used to get their portraits made so that they could be preserved for the future generations.
The Italian painting of high Renaissance, and other paintings by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raffael and Tizian, marked the main era of portrait paintings.
Earlier, getting a portrait painting created by an experienced artist was a very expensive process. But with the introduction of modern communication mediums, now they can be got made at affordable prices.
If you want to gift a portrait painting to some one or just want a portrait of your loved ones made, you can easily get them made at reasonable prices. If you find an experienced painter to create portrait paintings for you, you will be astonished and excited to see the finished paintings. The finishing which good painters give to portraits, give them the effect of photographs.
You will find many websites from where you can get your portraits made. You can check the sample pieces which they have displayed and then decide from where you want to get your portrait painting made.