A L M O S T A P O R T R A I T
ALMOST A PORTRAIT is a series of paintings that examines the idea of abstracting the figure through composition and focusing the portraits in a positive/ negative depiction. Through the use of contrasting shadows and highlights the portrait of the figure is almost lost in what merely seems to be shapes and values, but the figure is still present. The look and feel of old photographic process of those time is retained through a limited palette and washes and glazes. These paintings are centered around historical images of studio portraits of the American Indians and the Old West. Throughout the History of America, American Indians have been portrayed throughout history in many ways that have been not in the best interest of those peoples. These works are a way of allowing the viewer to thoroughly observe the paintings to realize the figure, but not on an individual basis but as a people. The Importance of the regalia and traditional clothing make their way through and are present for the reinstatement of significance to those specific peoples and nations in which they hold high traditional, cultural, and spiritual regard. Through this series I use reinterpreted historical portraits images which have also been used in many "Indian" paintings. I strive to create "The Next Great American Indian Portrait" but i will never succeed because these paintings are "Almost A Portrait".
ALMOST A PORTRAIT is a series of paintings that examines the idea of abstracting the figure through composition and focusing the portraits in a positive/ negative depiction. Through the use of contrasting shadows and highlights the portrait of the figure is almost lost in what merely seems to be shapes and values, but the figure is still present. The look and feel of old photographic process of those time is retained through a limited palette and washes and glazes. These paintings are centered around historical images of studio portraits of the American Indians and the Old West. Throughout the History of America, American Indians have been portrayed throughout history in many ways that have been not in the best interest of those peoples. These works are a way of allowing the viewer to thoroughly observe the paintings to realize the figure, but not on an individual basis but as a people. The Importance of the regalia and traditional clothing make their way through and are present for the reinstatement of significance to those specific peoples and nations in which they hold high traditional, cultural, and spiritual regard. Through this series I use reinterpreted historical portraits images which have also been used in many "Indian" paintings. I strive to create "The Next Great American Indian Portrait" but i will never succeed because these paintings are "Almost A Portrait".