Bud… Grandpa's Favorite Story Technical Insight #30

Bud, "Grandpa's Favorite Story"

An excerpt from "Not Far from Home"…

"This was the first painting I did using Bud as a model.  When he arrived, he was sure to be clear that he would not model nude.  I managed to assure him that he was safe.  Having relaxed a bit and noticing the entry of the other model (a pretty girl), the real Bud emerged. The composition of this painting evolved very naturally as Bud proceeded to entertain Wendy with story upon story.  He quickly settled into his new niche in life and has had a long successful career in modeling for me.  Often now, as we are working he will ask,  "How long have we been working together now Dan, fourteen or fifteen years?"  He is a wonderful man.

I have done countless portraits and paintings of Bud over the years. At one point while modeling, Bud looked around the room and counted 14 paintings of himself hanging on the walls, and with a grin, made a point of informing me he was my most significant model.

From a technical standpoint when designing a work with multiple figures, one must always pay careful attention to having one of the figures dominant either in terms of value, color, edge, or any combination of the listed.  In this case with the models in close proximity, they can almost be seen as one focal point.  There are 7 works of Bud in "Not Far from Home"… find them all:)

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Holiday gifts ideas from Gerhartz Studio.

Ten years since the release of his best selling DVD, "Her Mother’s Locket," Dan returns in video to share his practical, accessible approach to oil painting.  During this 6-hour presentation, he brings to viewers his 25 years of experience in painting the figure outdoors, walking his audience through the hurdles and challenges that face the painter. From a thorough discussion of materials to discussions about what truly ignites his passion for painting, Dan spares nothing as he works through the process.  Beautifully filmed, precisely edited, "The Beginning of Autumn" will be sure to inspire. Enjoy!

Thanks much!