Why I Don't Like Putting More Than One Person in a Portrait

Let's start with what a portrait is, at least in my mind.  A portrait is a visual expression of a person's spirit and physical appearance. And again in my mind, if you're going for more of a physical representation, photography is the best medium. Not to say there aren't some truly amazing photograpers out there that are able to invoke the subject's personality and mood.  However, painting or drawing lends itself to the expression of the soul.

That being said, if you have 2 or more people in a portrait, with 2 or more personalities, it is very difficult to convey who each of them is.  In essence, you are really describing the spirit of their relationship, rather than that of each individual.  And, while a relationship can be complex and beautiful, and definitely worth exploring in a painting, the spirit of each individual is never fully realized.  It's that individual spirit and life experience that I am passionate about expressing with color and light and brushstrokes.

For example, this portrait of Morgan illuminates her beauty in a contemplative moment.  The strong lighting casts shadows on her face suggesting a hidden part of herself; one that takes a bit of studying to know.  The colors in the painting, while at contrast with one another in their pure form, have been glazed with a warmth that softens and calms them.  Instead of a strong, direct gaze, her eyes are looking away in thought.  This portrait has been my favorite since I painted it.  You can't see it from this angle, but the image wraps around the edge of the canvas - from the right side you see her shoulder and from the left, the edge of her hood and the hair that spills out of it.  It could be placed in a frame, but I really like it hung the way it is. 

At any rate, it's hard to imagine another person in the painting with her.  If there were, it would cease to be about her.  All the nuances would be lost as the two subjects would try to relate to each other.  It just wouldn't be as powerful.

Hello and Welcome!

My blog and website are launching at the same time.  This is it!  All systems are go!

Hello!  I am Anne Kelly and this is my blog.  My website is also named Anne Kelly Art for simplicity.  I am an artist who works primarily in acrylics and mixed media.  I paint commissioned portraits, some of which you can see on my website. 

Portrait of Lacy  16"x20"  acrylic on paper

This blog will be about what I'm working on and its progress, as well as facts and info about art supplies, artists, and techniques.  I'll probably also throw in an occasionally food-for-thought piece that will hopefully make you think, but may make you just chuckle.  Either reaction is good!

I'm also going to have a couple of rules about leaving a comment.  I do appreciate feedback, but a simple, "I love your work!" isn't going to cut it.  You have to give at least one reason why.  Why?  Because I want you to think.  I don't think people put enough thought into their daily lives as it is, so I am forcing you, in my little queendom, to stop a moment and think about why you like something.  Or dislike it.  Which is my other rule.  No mean comments.  If you dislike my work or a particular piece, that's okay.  You can tell me.  BUT, you have to tell me why in a thoughtful, thought out way.  If you're  just trying to be unkind or make yourself feel somehow superior, keep moving.  There is nothing for you here.  So them's my rules.

If you have a question about a technique or art supply, please send me an email.  If I can't answer it directly, I will find some time to do a little research and do a post on it.  That would be fun!  As to my two most frequently asked questions:  Yes, I was born with this curl, and yes, it's my natural color... including the white ones.  And before you say you wish you had it, talk to me mid-August when I'm feeling like I have a woolly sheep wrapped around my head and wanting to stick my head in the freezer!  But yeah, it's cool being a redhead!