Title and Medium
Nicolas, the Painter’s Son. Oil on canvas. 27 cm x 22 cm.
Artist's Statement
I chose a portrait of Van Gogh ("Young Man in a Cap"), as a model which I decided to put as a detail reference. I noticed Van Gogh had also used the color of the background to paint the flesh color of the face. This is what I tried to do here.
Then, I studied how he had made the angular, jagged outlines of the model with a Prussian blue or purple line. I noticed there was no strong contrast or shadow on the face, except on the neck. The hair has a clear-cut and decorative look. The background here is radiating like a Russian icon. I used zinc white into the blends, in order to keep the colors strong and bright. I realized how Van Gogh, as Cezanne, had a high sense of harmony of colors and of decorative and expressionistic shapes.
Lessons Learned
- Do you think, Marion that my work looks, a little, like a Van Gogh's?
- I like the overall golden atmosphere and the delicate blue eyes, which are the counterpoint of the yellow orange.
Marion Boddy-Evans, Painting Guide, says:
I think your painting does echo Van Gogh's, but the black outlines need to be stronger and wider. Van Gogh not only uses these on the clothing, but also in quite a few parts of the face, whereas your lines have been blended in far more. I wouldn't change your painting though.
