A portrait commission for jimdarkwolf
Portrait of a Dwarven Cleric
Jim didn't want something normal, or furry... NOooo Rolls Eyes... He wanted to be painted as a Dwarven Cleric... I had to do some anatomical restructuring to make him look more Dwarven then he already does. He also requested more beard/awesome action then he already has. This is what he got.
Not my best work, but not bad. This is the first painting in my life where I used 100% High Quality Walnut Binder Oils (most oils are Linseed Oil Binder), 100% Artist Quality Oils, with good quality natural bristle brushes (Hog, Mongoose, and Sable), and 100% Solvent Free (No Turpentine or Mineral Spirits), so no toxic/flammable fumes.
If I used no solvents, how did I clean my brushes? You may ask... Well, I used cheap walnut cooking oil as my brush cleaner (Diluting to paint off the brushes), then wiping them off on a rage. When the day is done, I cleaned the brushes with detergent and water.... Amazing! It actually helped restore 2 of my older kalonsky sable brushes back to an almost new state (They had grown dry and crusty from all the solvents in the past, and mild paint build up). I read about this technique over Christmas and had never heard of it before, I was skeptical, but it works, and frees me to use Oils in less ventilated or occupied places... But I digress...
18" x 24", Oils of Masonite Panel
Enjoy [Grin]
I don't like dwarves. I don't like art of dwarves. But this is beautiful and makes me want one of me as a bearded dwarf lady.
I may not be much at all of a painter, but regardless I love reading your process regarding such media. I suppose I'm in the minority here in that I adore the Earthen folk such as gnomes and dwarves, and even though it may not be in your comfort zone as far as subjects go, you did a splendid job. The textures, the minute details, the lighting, his countenance especially...beautiful and dramatic.
Link
Paper-Wings
Your expertise with oils really shows! Wow!