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Martin Shaw

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John Hopkinson

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by Martin Shaw

Croft Castle drive, Autumn

Hilary Forbes

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I was very glad to see The Handsome Portrait thread back, and Martin, but it disappeared again -so adding a Degas, that stands the test of time I think?

Martin Shaw

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You are very kind Hillary. Yes, this Degas stands the test of time. Some of his work feels awkward to me, maybe not planned. In those days, the shortage of references must have been hard. I heard somewhere that in his later life he used photos, that’s after refusing to go anywhere near them. Sometimes, what makes sense prevails. I’m not a fan of photos or life… hate the presumptive commentary that tags along with both. Having said that, I preserve the right for the freedom of doing what you like, no explanation is needed as long as it looks good.  Done sculpting with clay and other stuff, mainly from the mind, but unless I do the same sculpture all the time I can’t really get what I want. Just thinking aloud here. I feel guilty doing either sometimes. Most after the 14th century are done with reflections of mirrors. I knew John Hopkinson (claim to fame) . He used all sorts of references. I guess if I was an art teacher I’d say nothing but life. Did one of my daughters, and super imposed my dog from a photo. Had to draw it five or six times though. Now, most of my work is photo, freehand mind, with a brush from the beginning.   Back to Degas… he’s the king of the dancing queens. 
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Marjorie Firth

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Interesting you chose this one by Degas - I love it. A few years ago I got my husband to take a photo of me…the resulting quick painting not in any way comparable to Degas’ but it satisfied an urge. I later altered it a bit more, more indistinct, and it sold.

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by Marjorie Firth

Martin Shaw

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Actually, I really like all of your work Marjorie. It’s the subject and style, work put in. You are most definitely one to watch. 
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Marjorie Firth

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Well thank you Martin, I’m maybe past the watching stage 😳😆 but who’s counting! I will always love to paint. Your work and “takel” on things is always interesting so good on you!

Martin Shaw

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Cheers muddeer 

Norrette Moore

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I like the Degas, and Degas inspired portrait by Marjorie. I often thought about portraits for sale. Questioning why someone would put a picture of a stranger on their wall. Perhaps it's the indistinct style which would sell.  So this leads me to the conclusion, that perhaps one would only paint a portrait as a gift or a commission, or for oneself?
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Lewis Cooper

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I'm an admirer of Degas.  It's generally accepted that in later life he did use photo references.  Photographs were being used by several artists at the time, including Toulouse Lautrec, he said he preferred them to live models.  Here's a photo used by Degas for one of his pastels... ...the model was Suzanne Valadon, who went on to become an artist herself with the aid of Degas. He was a great experimenter.  Great swathes of his work were not publicly shown during his lifetime, this was his choice.  Of course, when he died and this work was discovered it was put up for sale.  Makes you wonder what he'd have thought about that.
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Russell Edwards

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I would gladly have this portrait by Manet displayed on my wall Norrette.

Norrette Moore

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Agreed. She's in period dress, and by a famous artist.  What about a 21st century unknown male by a relatively unknown artist? I suppose if portrait painting is your forte and you ultimately want to earn commissions, then practice, practice etc. I don't know why I'm pondering about which genre to focus on, as I'm not bothered with selling or not. Thinking of trying botanical next (in oils though)

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by Norrette Moore

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Russell Edwards

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Being painted by a 'famous artist' is irrelevant as far as I'm concerned, apart from the monetary value, as is the subject matter being male or female. I would gladly hang a piece on my wall by Dave Bryant for example, who I would guess is 'relatively unknown' compared to Manet.
Showing page 12 of 41