Oil Painting Self Portraits

by Louis
(Belgium)

Hi,

Here are two self portraits, both done on cardboard.

Like I described in my previous mail, these under paintings were done with a paper towel. For the details I rolled the towel into a fine point, and used it like this.

The color-layer on one of the self-portraits was done with a brush.

Self Portrait

by Louis
(Belgium)

Hi,

I did this self portrait in oil paint on 50cm x 70 cm cardboard.

The cardboard was prepared with Gesso, and then completely painted with burnt-umber. With a paper towel I wiped the paint off to get the self portrait.

This is another way of completing an under-painting.


Editors note:

Thanks Louis for this contribution. Yes, I have heard of this technique. While the paint is still wet, to go in with the rag and remove the paint, leaving the lighter toned (imprimatur) coating showing through. I've used this myself on larger areas where utilizing a brush that is dry or slightly wet with spirits to lift the paint out would be too time consuming. I've never seen it done to this detail with a towel before.

I'm wondering if you used only the paper towel, or in combination with a dry brush to help with some of the modeling?

However you did it, it is a spectacular likeness.

Will this piece be continued with the dead layer and color layers? Or just as a study because it is on cardboard.

Best wishes, and hoping you will comment further!

Delmus

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