This new portrait of Prince Charles has just recently been unveiled. I like it; he looks relaxed and reasonably wise. It flatters just enough. I'd like to be able to paint as well as this.
The work is by Irish painter Gareth Reid, a good 'safe pair of hands' in the world of portraiture. Reid studied in Ireland, Scotland, and Italy, and now works in Glasgow. Below is another of his works, a simple charcoal sketch of a woman.
I admire hugely the work of such people, and would have liked to have studied portraiture myself. I have, of course, painted plenty of portraits, but would never consider myself a 'portrait painter'.
My own favourite portrait was of the wife of a good friend; unfortunately I have no photo of it, just of the rough preparatory sketch (below). A couple of years after the painting was delivered to the client, it was stolen and has not been seen since.
I do like the portrait of Prince Charles.
ReplyDeleteMuch better than many of the more formal, and stiff, official portraits. He looks quite relaxed in this one.
DeleteA wonderful talent. As a traditional draftsman I produced very good technical drawings, but the creative spark always eluded me.
ReplyDeleteTechnical drawing is an art in itself. Most 'daubers' wouldn't have a clue!
DeleteI really like the portrait of Prince Charles ..... I think that Reid has really captured him as he is today. I like the other two as well. Do you watch Portrait Artist of the Year Cro ? XXXX
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of that; it sounds either fun or dreadful. I'll look out for it.
DeleteI love it but I’m not an artist ! It’s on Sky Arts on a Tuesday evening. Hosted by Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan. Judges are Tai-Shan Schierenberg, Kate Bryan and Kathleen Spriano. It’s filmed at The Wallace Collection and the artists have famous people as their sitters. I think this is about the seventh series now. They also do Landscape Artist of the Year. The prize is a £10,000 commission of someone famous which, when completed, is hung in a famous gallery relative to the sitter. The competitors are a mixture of professional and really good amateur artists. I think that you would like it. XXXX
DeleteUnfortunately I don't have Sky Arts, but I have seen a programme about landscape painting with amateurs, which wasn't very inspirational. I think it was on BBC.
DeleteThis one is in a different league I think !!!!!! Shame you can’t get it. XXXX
DeleteWe have very basic TV.
DeleteThe portrait of the Prince is quite flattering. Preferable to those formal photos where he looks rather pompass.
ReplyDeleteDelightful post yesterday about Billy and your mornings together by the way.
It's a nice relaxed look at him, and sitting in a Lloyd Loom chair too.
DeleteI think it is difficult to not make boring portraits. I suppose it is a big risk in portraiture. Just over the road from me there are several huge Gainsborough portraits. He was good!. I think the master was Velazquez. He captured the innermost character.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I admire 'good' portrait painters. It's so difficult doing a decent job.
DeleteI find the background landscape a bit weird.
ReplyDeleteI imagine it's some topiary at Highgrove.
DeleteGainsborough didn't give a fuck about backgrounds. If you look closely you think you need glasses.
DeleteI like this portrait of Prince Charles very much. The painter has, for me at any rate, captured something of his inner character - not always evident in portraits.
ReplyDeleteDid you see the BBC programme on Sean Scully? I would be interested to hear what you thought both of the programme and the painter and his work.
No, I didn't see it. Rachel wrote about him recently (after the programme). I do like his work, and I also like his work ethic. I did make a comment on Rachel's page about the size of his work, which is important.
DeleteCharles' eyes annoy me. They are too close set, attract my immediate attention, and I think 'piggy eyes'. This portrait completely overrides that problem, and the man looks fit to be the king of England.
ReplyDeleteA portrait should always flatter; but not too much.
DeleteYes I like the Charles portrait
ReplyDeleteDo you watch the best portrait painter on the tv? Like bake off with oils... very good
No, I think it's on a channel that I don't receive. Pity.
DeleteI like the painting very much and wish I could paint like this. I am a flat design artist. I am ver intrigued by the background. I love it just interesting enough not to over power the subject.
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip
It's a good overall painting, as well as a good portrait. Just what one wants.
DeleteIt flatters enough...but it has his hands right..quite important
ReplyDelete