[Boris Cruse]

That’s a really good question. I would also like to know NMA’s thoughts and feelings on this. Instagram is littered with photographs of paintings that are so obviously taken from the excellent NMA reference material. Never used them myself for a commissioned work

[Boris Cruse]

These are gorgeous studies.
Perhaps NMA could ask Lawrence Sher to do a lighting masterclass.
Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Kind Regards

Boris

[Boris Cruse]

Day 54 looks well exciting. Love to see you draw this way with ink.
Kind Regards

Boris

[Boris Cruse]

<!–more–>Looking good Carlos

I recommend doing Steve Huston’s Head Drawing workshop at least twice.
Never gets boring and I learn a lot every time I revisit.
Cheers

Boris

 

[Boris Cruse]

Back to the self portrait. Struggled with this a lot. Working from mirror. Without wearing reading glasses and I so need them.

Used the Zorn palette

I was trying to find other portrait painters that use short lighting. Couldn’t find many that inspired me.

All comments and feedback appreciated.
Boris</span>

• This reply was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by Boris Cruse.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by Boris Cruse.

[Boris Cruse]

Hey Jack

Yes the Zorn Palette is a great option for me. Petrified of colour.
As for the ear …. absolutely. It’s all over the shop. Tricky angle. Especially when staring into the mirror for hours on end.
I’m all over this being the front cover of an adventure novel. I’ll paint another with that in mind.
There is more space around the head, but must admit I didn’t prioritise the composition. I’m going to stop thinking of these as just oil sketches.  I’ve been painting from some of the NMA reference images. Results are interesting. I prefer working from life though. Posted an example
Really enjoying the mark making process. An investment in some decent brushes has really helped with that. Wouldn’t have argued that could be the case a month ago. Trying not to blend everything I do. Easily done with oils.

Hope your creative ventures are going well and thank you for taking the time. Will look out for your work

Take care Jack

Boris

 

 

[Boris Cruse]

Some lovely stuff on your Instagram page. Agreed – Quirks are good.

[Boris Cruse]

Agree with Peter’s comments.
Be amazing to see those feet feel they are taking the weight.
May not be relevant – I often start figure drawing from the ground or feet up.

[Boris Cruse]

Bit of an update with self portrait and a most dodgy ear.  Feedback highly appreciated

Cheers

 

• This reply was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by Boris Cruse.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 11 months ago by Boris Cruse.

[Boris Cruse]

Hey Jack

Thank you so much for taking the time. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your response and completely agree to all points made.
I am striving for a finer less broken brushwork. Just to prove I can do it. However I know I will return to far bolder marks.
Initially the darkness of the portraits was about lack of control but I’m enjoying being in that zone at the minute. Love the idea of using a light grey as the brightest part of the image. I’ll try the other end of the spectrum over the weekend and increase the value range.
That eye really bothered me throughout. Something I’m trying to get right today in another painting. Tricky working from life.
My competence in drawing with brushes is not great though I’m getting better and am impatient when appropriating tonal values. Funny staring into the mirror for hours on end. I do keep thinking my eyes are too close together.
Totally enjoying painting. It’s been a very long time. Really pleased you got something from my efforts Jack. Really picked me up this afternoon. Most appreciated. I’ll keep a look out for stuff you post. Highly recommend putting up stuff even if you’re not happy with it.

Don’t know if you do Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/boris.cruse/

Kind Regards

Boris

[Boris Cruse]

Looking good Jack.
really getting a sense of the form and good tracking of features in the top right drawing.
Love Huston’s approach. Considering doing some of it again. Or least having Steve’s dulcet tones in the background whilst drawing.
The Joseph Todorovitch greyscale portrait painting stuff is good if you’ve got black and white oil paint at the ready. Brilliantly structured course. I’ve not ventured into the colour bit yet.
Be interested to see what you do in other media.
Cheers

Boris

[Boris Cruse]

Hi Robert

Not sure if this is helpful or not.
I started this workshop using acrylics. I personally got frustrated with the medium and the drying time despite using a slow drying medium.

This course is really worth following using oils. Having a space a small dedicated to just painting also helps.  I’ve posted my initial grayscale images using acrylic paint and later studies using oil. So pleased I made that leap. Not a better medium, just different.  Don’t spend loads of money. Black and white oil paint, sheet of glass, low odour thinners, cotton rags, cheap canvas pad (for now) and 3 or 4 decent brushes.

Hope it works out well for you. Be great to see what you come up with.

Cheers

Boris

 

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Oil Study (4 x 30 mins)

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