Unforgettable Studio Shenanigans

I had probably one of the most unique studio experiences ever. It’s just a typical day in the studio, paperwork scattered across my desk. My sweet little grand-darling who was only about 6 months old at the time, was spending the afternoon with me. I had her on my hip while walking into my studio area to get some paperwork. Little did I know that this innocent visit would turn into one of the most amusing and heartwarming experiences in my art career.

As I sorted through the paperwork, my grand-darling began babbling away, completely captivated by something in the room. I turned to see her smiling and cooing at none other than CMS Sapp's portrait. I couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected interaction. It was as if she was having the most animated conversation with the stoic figure on the canvas.

I couldn't resist mentioning this adorable encounter to CMS Sapp himself. His reply was , "Well, babies have always liked me."

A Touch of Magic: In that whimsical moment, I realized that art has the power to transcend boundaries. It can captivate the imaginations of the youngest souls and create a world where anything is possible. Who's to say that CMS Sapp's portrait didn't have a secret charm that caught the attention of my grand-darling? Perhaps she sensed his bravery and esteemed presence, even at such a tender age.

That day, my studio transformed into a realm of innocence, laughter, and unexpected connections. It reminded me of the joys that art brings, not only to the artist but to all those who encounter it. In the future, I will always remember the sight of my grand-darling smiling and babbling away, entranced by a portrait that seemed to possess a baby-friendly aura.

It’s become a studio memory I will always cherish. It’s a reminder of the magic that art can create. It's these delightful and humorous moments that make our artistic journeys all the more meaningful. So, here's to the joyous wonders that unfold when little ones and portraits have a lively chat—truly a tale for the ages.

A Privileged Journey: Painting for the Louisiana Department of Military

As an artist, there are certain opportunities that come along, that I cherish. One such opportunity presented itself to me when I was given the chance to paint a portrait of CMS Dennis Sapp for the Louisiana National Guard’s Hall of Fame. I consider it a humbling honor to capture the essence of any individual deserving of such a recognition.

From the moment I received the invitation to create this portrait, I knew I was embarking on a special endeavor. The Louisiana Department of Military's Hall of Fame is a place where the bravery, dedication, and achievements of remarkable individuals are commemorated. To be entrusted with the responsibility of immortalizing one such individual through art is a tremendous privilege.

Throughout the entire process, from initial discussions to the final brushstroke, I relished every moment. This opportunity allowed me to dive deep into the subject's story, gathering insights and understanding their unique essence, his character, his service to our country. My hope was to capture the spirit and nature of the person being honored.

As an artist, my goal is to always create a portrait that goes beyond mere technical replication. I’d like portray the character of each individual in a unique way. Every brushstroke was executed with utmost care. It was an endeavor that demanded attention to detail, thoughts were given to how bold a color’s hue and chroma should be, what areas should receive more dominance and what places should not.

As the portrait took shape, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride in contributing to the well-deserved recognition of CMS Sapp. The Hall of Fame serves as a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of extraordinary individuals who have made a lasting impact on the military community. It is an honor to be part of this legacy, using my artistic skills to ensure that their stories are celebrated for generations to come.

As an artist, I am grateful for the trust bestowed upon me and for the chance to play a small role in preserving the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others.

To learn more about CMS Dennis Sapp

click here: CMS SAPP

Unveiling the Timeless Beauty: Capturing Realism in Oil Painted Portraits

Welcome to the enchanting world of realism in oil painted portraits! There's something truly mesmerizing about the way these masterpieces capture the essence of their subjects, bringing them to life on canvas. In this article, we'll embark on a casual and friendly exploration of the techniques, allure, and timeless beauty that realism in oil painted portraits holds. So, grab your favorite brush and let's dive into this artistic journey together.

The Art of Realism: A Brief Overview

Realism in art is all about representing subjects in a truthful and lifelike manner. It aims to capture the intricate details, textures, and nuances that make the subject come alive on canvas. When it comes to portraits, realism allows the artist to depict the subject in a way that feels tangible and authentic. From the gentle wrinkles around the eyes to the play of light on the skin, each element contributes to the overall realism of the portrait.

The Allure of Oil Paint: Enhancing Realism

One of the reasons why oil paint is widely favored for realistic portraits is its unique ability to capture texture and depth. The slow-drying nature of oil paint allows artists to blend and layer colors, achieving a smooth and seamless transition of tones. The richness and luminosity of oil paint add a captivating vibrancy to the portraits, enhancing the realism and making them truly come to life.

I still remember the first time I dipped my brush into a palette of oil paint. The creamy consistency glided effortlessly across the canvas, allowing me to build up layers and capture the subtle nuances of the subject's features. The richness of the colors and the depth I could achieve with oil paint ignited a passion within me for creating realistic portraits.

Technique Matters: Mastering Realistic Portraits

To create realistic portraits, artists need to master various techniques. Observation and attention to detail play a vital role in capturing the subject's likeness accurately. Studying the subtle variations in skin tones, the way light falls on the face, and the delicate interplay of shadows helps to create a convincing portrayal.

Layering is another technique that artists use to achieve realism. By building up multiple thin layers of paint, they can create depth and texture, replicating the intricacies of the subject's skin, hair, and clothing. It requires patience and precision, but the result is a portrait that feels almost three-dimensional.

I vividly recall the challenges I faced when I started my journey into realism. Trying to capture the delicate lines and tiny details was no easy feat. However, with practice and perseverance, I discovered that each stroke brought me closer to my goal of creating lifelike portraits that resonated with viewers.

Connecting with the Subject: Portraying Emotion

Beyond capturing physical likeness, realism in portraits strives to convey the subject's emotions and inner essence. A genuine emotional connection with the subject is crucial for infusing the artwork with life and personality. The subtle facial expressions, the sparkle in the eyes, and the posture of the body all contribute to portraying the subject's unique character.

I remember a portrait I painted of an elderly woman. As I spent time with her, listening to her stories and getting to know her, a bond formed. In every brushstroke, I aimed to capture not just her physical features but also the wisdom and strength that radiated from her. The result was a portrait that went beyond a mere likeness—it conveyed the essence of her spirit.

Light and Shadow: Enhancing Realism through Contrast

The interplay of light and shadow is crucial in achieving a realistic portrayal. Understanding how light falls on different surfaces and creates highlights and shadows brings depth and dimension to the portrait. With contrast of values, the illusion of depth begins to take place. The goal is to transform a two dimensional canvas into something that seems to have a 3 dimensional character.

Keys to lasting connections

Good human relationships are built on a foundation of love, trust, and understanding. In this article, we explore the key elements that contribute to strong and lasting connections between individuals.

Communication: Effective communication forms the bedrock of healthy relationships. It involves active listening, expressing oneself honestly, and fostering open dialogue to build understanding and resolve conflicts.

Trust and Respect: Good relationships thrive on mutual trust and respect. It means honoring boundaries, being reliable, and showing genuine care and support for one another.

Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and empathy create an atmosphere of compassion and emotional support. Being able to empathize with the experiences and emotions of others fosters deeper connections and strengthens bonds.

Good human relationships are nurtured through effective communication, trust, respect, empathy, and compassion. By cultivating these qualities, we create a foundation for meaningful and fulfilling connections that enrich our lives and bring joy and support to both parties involved. Let us cherish and invest in the elements that make good relationships thrive.

The Beauty of the Human Face: A Captivating Tapestry of Expression

The human face is a remarkable canvas that showcases the intricacies of emotion, identity, and individuality. Its beauty lies not only in its physical features but also in the wealth of expression it can convey. From the sparkling eyes that shimmer with joy to the gentle curve of a smile that radiates warmth, the human face is a tapestry of emotions and stories waiting to be explored.

Each face carries a unique story, reflecting a person's journey, experiences, and personality. It is a window into their soul, revealing their hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities. The face holds the power to captivate us, drawing us in with its raw authenticity and connecting us on a deeply human level.

The beauty of the human face lies not in its adherence to conventional standards but in its diversity. Every face, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background, possesses its own allure and charm. It is through this diversity that we celebrate the richness of human existence.

Faces are also symbolic of our interconnectedness as a species. They are a universal language, transcending barriers and fostering empathy and understanding. In their subtleties and nuances, faces create a tapestry of emotions that bind us together in our shared human experience.

As we navigate life, we should embrace the beauty of the human face. Let us appreciate the lines etched by laughter, the wisdom carved by time, and the uniqueness that sets each face apart. By cherishing the beauty of the human face, we honor the stories it tells and the connections it fosters, ultimately celebrating the incredible diversity and wonder of humanity.

Murphy and Linda's Portrait

Murphy is a kind, easy going guy. I met with him several times at coffee shops as we inspired each other to come up with a portrait that would represent a journey together for him and his wife. The couple have been married since their youth, and they have always had pets that were a part of the family. So it was decided to incorporate of few of these little guys into the image. Typically a portrait will have a much more simplistic background but this painting needed to be more than just their images, it was to represent their story of togetherness.

This was always one of their favorite pictures, so the plan was to make it the central theme of the portrait.

After the painting was about halfway completed, Camille made the decision to use a different photo for Linda because this photograph was challenging to work with, especially when it came to the “details” (they say that the devil can be in the details, yep…art joke)

here are a few images of the progression

drawing and underpainting stage

Putting on a new face

The underpainting helps in determining the values needed in each area.

After spending an enormous amount of time on their portrait, our home caught fire. I waited outdoors for the firemen to arrive. Our entire street was filled with white smoke. Our neighbor said it was so thick she couldn’t see across the street. Several fire trucks came, a few police cars, and the paramedics. You know what they say “if your home was to catch on fire, what would you run in to get?” Yep, I actually had that thought. “MURPHY’S PAINTING!” Then in I ran, but I didn’t have to run through fire, just plenty of smoke. I darted up the stairs when I heard a fireman shout at me. “What do you think you are doing?” I shouted back “I’m trying to save something”. He then yelled out “get out NOW!” So I left (after getting the painting to a safe place.)

Our son and daughter-inlove we so kind to take us in to stay with them while we transitioned into a rental house. I had a makeshift studio in their sunroom. When my grand-darling would get home from daycare, she’d sit on my lap and pretend to paint. (Her brushes did not have paint 😁)

Because of hurricane Ida, the fire and the first and few other hurdles I had to cross…this portrait took longer than usual to deliver to Murphy, but he was graciously patient with me.

I have a video that shows the progression here from beginning to end:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmjJiTXtMsc&t=22s

Hope you enjoy!

Landry Portrait

Commissioned by a son for his Mom. (that makes this one really special)

Click here to see her receive her special gift.

La Department of Military

Oil on a linen canvas
James H Mays
Command Sergeant Major
Louisiana Army National Gaurd
Size 24" x 30"

It can be challenging to show the work in progress. Over two months of work has been condensed into about 2 minutes.  
 

Oil painted portrait for the Louisiana Department of Military

Kylie's Portrait

Minor changes are being made to Kylie, and major changes will be in the background.  

Signed, sealed, delivered.

Kylie's photoshoot was done over a year ago, she grew a lot since I last saw her.

Seeing the faces of the family when I deliver a painting is so much fun. I would like my art and my life to brighten the corner of a small place in this world each day. I love painting children, they inspire me with their sweet spirits & purity of heart. May we all become like children with a heart that is pure and full of love to share with others around us.

The Story behind the Arceneaux Portrait

Mr Arceneaux contacted me about createing a portrait for his wife (a surprise Christmas present).

He sent family pictures for me to work from, however I needed to add another person, his father-in-law.  His wife lost her father last year, his passing broke her heart.  A photo of him dancing with her at their wedding would suffice for this project. 

Their little boy needed some adjusting...

 liked his face here:

& his pose here:

For her dad, I would have to find someone to pose for some photos so I could create a new body of him for the portrait.  My husband was the model.  (He's a model husband.)

A rough draft was sent for approval & critiquing:

Two different photos were used to create the background.  Well, that's the beginning of the story.  The end of the story has not arrived as of yet.

PS. The drawing & underpainting was completed by Christmas, to give as a gift.

The first photo really did show enough of the Mom's likeness because her head was tilted downward...another photo was used to replace her head.

Here's a short video showing the whole progression of the painting:

Glazing and Adding Color to an Oil Painting

Here's a short tutorial showing how I go about glazing a painting.

Dave

Oil painting demo from Artist Camille Barnes

Hope you have a moment to check out my other social media sites.

http://www.camillebarnesstudio.com

www.facebook.com/ArtistCamilleBarnes

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