(Video link) In this archival video, Philip de László (Hungarian 1869-1937) paints a quick portrait of a model in oil. He establishes the shapes and refines the tones with the brush, comparing frequently to the model. The canvas is placed right alongside the model in the "sight-size" method, with the artist frequently backing up to check the likeness against the model.
One of de László's portraits, "Vita Sackville-West, 1910" is currently being featured at the "Edwardian Opulence" exhibition in New Haven, Connecticut.
The video was posted by Darren Rousar, and there are many descriptions on the web of the sight-size method.
Note that "mannequin" is a term from the fashion industry for a live clothes model.
Previously on GJ is another archival video: Philip de László Paints Venice
That was great and it was already framed!
ReplyDeleteI thought that was funny too!Was probably for filming purposes but,so very apropos-his work is genius! Thank you James for the great article!
DeleteThat was very nice! Somehow, when I first clicked on the video… this Vimeo came up instead. I know you will really dig this.
ReplyDeleteThe artist is David A. Smith, a traditional sign-writer/designerspecializing in high-quality ornamental hand-crafted reverse glass signs and decorative silvered and gilded mirrors. David recently produced a wonderful turn-of-the-century, trade-card styled album cover for popular American singer/songwriter John Mayer.
This is really good! Masterful! Check it out. -RQ
http://vimeo.com/60647216
Ooops! I just looked at yesterdays post! Sorry about that, but I knew you would like it! <:p -RQ
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of de Laszlo. I just finished creating a PDF of Painting a Portrait by de Laszlo because I read it so frequently I was afraid my own copy would be ruined. I also posted it so people can download it if they like.
ReplyDelete