This time I tried to paint a human.

[Ocelot II]

I've been avoiding trying to do that because it's really hard and they don't look like themselves unless you're really good at it. So to avoid insulting anybody I painted myself, from a very old photo (liberties taken with the original cluttered background), and since I was only about four years old at the time I am currently unrecognizable. I had this little record player, and having been a nerd even then, one of my favorite things was to sit in my room and listen to my records. My dad took the photo.

[unblock]

1. I tried to paint a human once.

The HR department was NOT happy.

[Ocelot II]

19. I hope you didn't use acrylic paint. Can't get that stuff off.

[KarenS]

2. I think this is a sweet painting.

If this is your first time painting a human then Bravo!! You did well.

[blm]

15. I agree.

It really draws you in.

[Ocelot II]

20. Thank you!

Looking back I recall that I have done a couple of paintings that included people, but they weren't people that were intended to be anybody in particular. What's tricky is making the painting recognizable and why I wanted to avoid painting anyone I knew.

[ret5hd]

3. i think it's wonderful...

anyone ever tell you you looked like a very young nick cave?

[Ocelot II]

21. Thanks. I was never told I looked like Nick Cave, young or old,

but I don't know who that is anyhow.

[ret5hd]

44. well, here ya' go:

Let me introduce you

[Ocelot II]

45. No resemblance whatsoever!

[SheltieLover]

4. Very nicely done!

[Ocelot II]

22. Thanks!

[SheltieLover]

40. You're welcome!

[Clouds Passing]

5. Beautiful painting, beautiful child

[Ocelot II]

23. Thank you.

[3Hotdogs]

6. Excellent. I probably could have successfully painted the wall socket plate (minus the holes).

[Ocelot II]

24. Thank you!

It was an old wall socket with only two holes (no ground), so that made it easier.

[MLAA]

7. Damn, Ocelot II you have major talent. This portrait is excellent!

I’m going to try a portrait after all the furry friends I’ve been painting the last few years. Going to try painting a young friend’s baby. I’ve watched a few how to videos online to get pumped up.

Really, a beautiful portrait. You really captured the serenity and satisfaction your 4 yr old self seemed to possess.

[Ocelot II]

25. Thanks. Furry friends aren't any easier.

The fur is tricky. The thing I learned from an art instructor is that you don't think about what it is you are painting, you just look at the shapes in the abstract, even turn it upside down. That makes it easier. When you've finished the baby, post the painting!

[MLAA]

46. Thanks for the tips, and I'll post it (once I actually start it and finish it haha)

[fierywoman]

8. You're damned good. Have you ever watched the British series "Portrait Artist

of the Year" ? : SO many ways to paint humans!

[Ocelot II]

26. Thanks. I don't know that series but I'll look it up.

In the olden days people would sit for portraits (probably still do), I can't imagine how uncomfortable that would be, both for the sitter and the artist.

[onecaliberal]

9. IMO you are talented.

You did a wonderful job.

[Ocelot II]

27. Thanks!

[Diamond_Dog]

10. Ocelot, you did a fabulous job!

Last edited Mon Aug 26, 2024, 10:42 AM - Edit history (1)

The composition and rendering, perfect! You created such a moving portrait of yourself, a little girl sitting alone and intently listening to your records (something I would have done, too, if I’d had a record player).

You have really evoked the emotion of being totally engrossed in your music and tuning out the outside world, in a child so small, it’s quite extraordinary to see.

This painting is really first rate.

[Ocelot II]

28. Thank you!

I've finally learned that you don't have to duplicate the photo reference exactly, which is freeing. You can "fix" the composition if you don't like it. The original had a lot of clutter that I left out.

[Diamond_Dog]

38. That's what's so cool about taking "artistic license"

I love the feeling of this child (you) being in her own little world. I can really relate to it.

[bahboo]

11. hands are supposed to be hard, right....

looks like a pretty good effort to me. Congrats!

[Ocelot II]

30. Thanks! Faces are harder than hands, I think,

because if you don't aim the eyes exactly right, your subject will look cross-eyed and insane.

[GiqueCee]

12. That is beautiful work!

Take it from someone who's been doing this professionally for just shy of 60 years. You're good!

[Ocelot II]

31. Thank you!

Coming from someone in the business, that makes me pretty happy!

[dchill]

13. Simply brilliant!

[Ocelot II]

32. Thanks!

[wordstroken]

14. Superb!!

The depth of feeling you’ve created draws me into the room and into your little girl’s heart and your mood of that moment.

You definitely are a very talented portraiture artist, Ocelot II. Thank you so much for sharing your work.

[Ocelot II]

33. Thank you!

I might call it "Portrait Of The Nerdiest Kid In Kindergarten."

[bif]

16. Really nice.

For a first a first attempt, you did an amazing job. Im the same way. My people look like they were drawn by a five-year old. That's why I[ve never included figures or faces in my paintings.

[Ocelot II]

34. Take a deep breath, find a good photo and do it!

It's just a bunch of shapes.

[AllaN01Bear]

17. ""

[Ocelot II]

35. Thank you.

[Rhiannon12866]

18. Wow! That's excellent!

Cute kid!

[Ocelot II]

36. Thanks!

[cachukis]

29. Love the story on display. Pensive. Well done.

[Ocelot II]

37. Thank you.

I think the song on the record might have been "The Teddy Bears' Picnic," which might inspire pensiveness in some.

[cachukis]

39. Imagination, fostered in youth, shows up later, as wisdom

[Bayard]

41. Really nice portrait, Ocelot

Are you wearing slippers?

I am much better at rendering any critter from a photograph. Your subject holds still.

Can't wait to see more!

[Ocelot II]

47. Mukluks! Thanks!

[LoisB]

42. You did an excellent job.

[Ocelot II]

48. Thank you!

[femmedem]

43. Just beautiful!

Right down to the handss, so accurately rendered without drawing undue attention to themselves.

[Ocelot II]

49. Thanks!

[LiberalLoner]

50. Oh this is stunning! Really in awe of your talent. Thank you for sharing this! I always loved being alone and

Listening to music, too. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[captain queeg]

51. I thought this was the picture till I read your post. Really good!

[PatrickforB]

52. I like this quite a lot. You captured the mood of this little girl (yourself).

She is deeply intent on the music, nearly lost in it. At least this is my impression upon looking at it.

It has meaning for me because my daughter plays both the piano and violin and she is very good - good enough on piano to play at weddings, funerals and taught piano for a while in her twenties.

I can remember some years ago when she was still at home, and I would hear her practicing on the piano we had in the living room. I'd go in there and just listen, getting lost in the music. To this day, when she's in her late thirties, I still enjoy hearing her play.

Music is magical. In this painting, we can almost hear the music.