Original 16 x 20 Oil on Canvas
Private Collection
Hand framed in reclaimed wood
Painted August 2019
I had this portrait in mind for a while before I painted it. I wanted to tackle a figure, and Amish culture felt like a natural fit for the way I was working at the time. The clothing, hat and overall character gave me the late 1800s and early 1900s feel I was after.
Van Gogh was a huge influence on the brushwork. Anyone familiar with his portraits will probably spot it. The face is built from short strokes of peach, blue, gray and ochre, while the long white beard carries blues, violets and warm orange marks.
The dark coat is packed with directional blue and orange strokes rather than smooth modeling. I was not trying to copy one particular Van Gogh portrait. I was borrowing the bit I loved: visible brushwork that does not apologize for being paint.
Want a print instead? You can find prints of this piece here: The Amish Elder.
Original 16 x 20 Oil on Canvas
Private Collection
Hand framed in reclaimed wood
Painted August 2019
I had this portrait in mind for a while before I painted it. I wanted to tackle a figure, and Amish culture felt like a natural fit for the way I was working at the time. The clothing, hat and overall character gave me the late 1800s and early 1900s feel I was after.
Van Gogh was a huge influence on the brushwork. Anyone familiar with his portraits will probably spot it. The face is built from short strokes of peach, blue, gray and ochre, while the long white beard carries blues, violets and warm orange marks.
The dark coat is packed with directional blue and orange strokes rather than smooth modeling. I was not trying to copy one particular Van Gogh portrait. I was borrowing the bit I loved: visible brushwork that does not apologize for being paint.
Want a print instead? You can find prints of this piece here: The Amish Elder.