Tuesday, October 25, 2011

“Bouguereau study 1"

I don't know much about art history. I only know a few artists I really like. William Bouguereau is one of them. Yesterday I spent almost the entire day paint this study from Bouguereau. Lately, I have been pondering my art. I predominately paint small work still lives. If I only do that, I don't think I serious enough as an artist. I want to do more larger and figurative paintings, but I don't know how to do that. First, I need to take the challenge to tackle anatomy and many subtleties related to figures. This painting I consider is the starting point. I did have quite a bit of hard time when I painted this one, especially the hands. I will work hard and across the learning curve as quick as possible. I know this is not easy. Academic painters spend years of professional training in art schools just to manage the skill of painting people. But I will be patient and get there eventually, step by step.

13 comments:

RUDHI Rüscher said...

It's a great QIANG-HUANG-Bouguereau!

Brad Miedema said...

Very nice Qiang! I love how you apply the paint with loose heavy strokes. Really like the hands with the warm reds and the highlight on them. Beautiful!

Michael William said...

Qiang,

Best of luck w/ learning the figure, but I have to say this piece makes it seem like you've been studying anatomy for years, no exaggeration! The pose feels completely natural and as always your strokes are masterful and emotional. You may be used to doing still lifes (which are also beautiful), but I think you may have stumbled on your true calling here...Congratulations!

Pragya Tiwari said...

This looks great :) I think, you have what it takes to be one of the best!

carol morgan carmichael said...

I don't think you realize how much talent you have. Maybe that is a good thing. Your work is right up there with the best. The bold brushwork and color in this is the best!

morry said...

This is such an interesting creativity of Qiang which is looking awesome. Nice creativity.
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Sandeep Khedkar said...

This is wonderful!

Susan Roux said...

Love your ambition! I too am working hard trying to paint the figure. It isn't easy. Yet the drive to figure it out (no pun intended) is very strong. This one is very nice. You're off to a great start!

jen said...

I haven't mustered the courage to attempt the human figure yet; you should have seen what I did to a bowl of candy!

Your work is really, really great. You're over-thinking your process. In the wise, wise words of Nike marketing, Just do It.

Barbara Pask said...

Just beautiful Qiang. I also think you are too hard on yourself, I would expect a work like this coming from someone very skilled in painting figures. You have her proportions just right and your fresh brushstrokes as always are wonderful.

Bonnie Heather said...

Wonderful painting. I look forward to following your journey as you paint figures.

Francie said...

Qiang...looks beautiful and effortless...very nice for a first Bouguereau. Yes...pose is natural..hands look great! I think you are a wonderful painter and I thoroughly enjoy reading your learning blog posts!

Unknown said...

Very beautiful!
I am in the same stage in figurative painting! I finish one figurative painting lately, and understand how difficulty can be anatomy. But I start second figurative painting, and it goes better! I understand that practice is very important! Keep going improve! :)