Art?

[El Kabong]

I'm going to my very first art class tonight. I am pretty excited about it. I've been thinking up what I should paint first....I've not come up with very many ideas, I suppose it'll just strike me when I'm staring at the canvas

[Dia bando]

I remember my Art Teacher telling me I painted just like Constable, I said thanks
you paint like your wearing handcuffs.

[El Kabong]

So in order to get used to the brushes, mixing colors, etc I was given the assignment of replicating one of Van Gough's self portraits. It's very tough but I had great fun with it.

[El Kabong]

Recreating that is my task...an ambitious first chore, but by the end of the night I was getting the hang of the brushes and Van Gogh's painting style

[El Kabong]

Here's my progress on my Van Gogh self portrait...let me know what you think @Greenbeanz

[El Kabong]

I'm not working on the same exact scale of course so the details seem a bit off as does the color, but I will just go back over those spots again and eventually it will look better. I have some ideas for other paintings I want to do after I finish this one and I am very excited about those.

[Beanz]

Here's my progress on my Van Gogh self portrait...let me know what you think @Greenbeanz

If you are enjoying it then that is enough. If you love doing it you will do it more and improve each time. It is difficult without seeing the canvas to ascertain technique, particularly impressionistic effects like open brush strokes. Van Gogh himself started by copying prints but these he drew and drawing when you are not in class, even if this is just dodling figures and teaching yourself things like perspective, will help your painting immeasurably. You have blocked out the colour and subject well but need to employ a much smaller brush next and take note of the halo effect that he has used as well as the direction that he applies each stroke with. He worked fast but with years of practice to draw on, using colour very expressively. Replicating his palette is probably unnecessary right now but it and the cheap board and tightly knit canvas he often worked on are also important features of his style. Thanks for being brave enough to share your work mate. Good luck and have fun with the next stage and your future pieces.I look forward to seeing them.

[Andre]

Here's my progress on my Van Gogh self portrait...let me know what you think @Greenbeanz

I like it ,he has Marty Feldmans eyes.

[Andre]

Found a decent chunk of art in some music this morning. Not for everyone I imagine, but it got me in.