Study of a Director

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Comment by Michael Chomse on August 19, 2013 at 6:41

Reid - Thanks, man. I truly appreciate your comments. I guess I have captured something of the man here, and pointed to what it's like being in the shoes of a director. 

As far as art is concerned? I'm really happy you see it that way.

Funnily enough, this is my son's favorite painting. He sees something special there, too. Maybe it's about the act of looking into the future, the act of creating something out of nothing that a director has to go through almost all the time he's working, that speaks to an 18-yr old facing his own uncertain future. You have to be resolute to do that job. I know the feeling! I hope I've captured something of that feeling in this portrait.

Thanks again, Reid. Keep painting. You really are onto something with your Rainy Day picture.

Sadly Herbert Ross died around 12 years ago. Oh well. The Giclee print was a nice idea. 

Comment by Reid Barton on August 19, 2013 at 5:23

Holy you know what! This completely stopped me in my tracks. I stared at it for probably five minutes. You have crossed that invisible line from one who is still practicing, to one who has created true and real art. Michael, this is full on, art. It has everything those who pursue art in what every form, strive for. Incredible interest. Captivating pose. Motion. Dripping with mood. I swear I can read his mind here, it's so'alive'. And that is really flipping hard to do. Look at his eye. He's lost in mid thought, very intense, serious. His eye line is perfect. What you did with his hair...genius. Even his thumb indents his cheek. The colors, so rich, play right into the mood. The bg, really cool. For me, it's the perfect marriage between realism and abstract or impressionism.  I don't love realism in painting because it, to me again, just demonstrates great technique. There has to be room to explore and show mood, emotion, feeling via the artists own personal experience, their own personal filters. That is incredibly difficult because you need to be able to employ great technique, which you demonstrate here, and a vision to go with it. We often chase the first but miss the last. And not only in painting, but photography, sculpting, music, etc.  Sure, one needs some level of technical ability before they can pursue that next level, cast and catch vision. You are there. That has to be a great place to be. Really good painting. You should send him, if he's still alive, a geclee (?). He'd love it. 

Comment by Michael Chomse on August 3, 2013 at 19:44

Dirk - Thanks for looking at my work. I was enjoying going through your stuff at the Old Cellars Gallery, truly admiring what you do, so your comment here means a lot to me. Keep an eye on me, please, and your comments and critiques will be most welcome. I see you've signed on for Richard's latest workshop... I look forward to that, too.

Catherine - Thanks for your very encouraging comment. This was new ground for me, so I'm glad you like it.

Ro - You're such an encouragement. I so appreciate your comments. Thank you. But this isn't me, even though a cigarette might be welcome to cope with the stresses of daily living - I gave up twenty years ago!

Laura - I'm trying to decide who'll be the next 'director' I'll paint. Knowing me it'll be someone on the fringes of independent cinema.

Kim - I don't know if you'll see this, but thanks for the 'like'. I really like your watercolours, too. They always tell a story, and they invite me in to their space to share it.

Comment by Dirk Rampling on August 3, 2013 at 14:43

Interesting work Michael.

Comment by Catherine Spencer on August 3, 2013 at 11:30

I think "M" must stand for magnificent. Very nicely done Michael!

Comment by Laura Xu on August 3, 2013 at 10:05

this is amazing Michael! I am looking forward to see your next.

Comment by Robyn (Ro) Lovelock on August 1, 2013 at 12:08

Oh yeah! I see what M means! This is brill Michael! Love it! Ro x

Comment by Michael Chomse on July 27, 2013 at 19:02

Thanks for the like Mariangela.

Comment by Michael Chomse on July 26, 2013 at 5:06

Thanks Manneherrin. Okay, I'll do more. (You really know how to encourage someone :-)

Comment by Manneherrin on July 26, 2013 at 4:29

holy crap this is awesome!...do more do more!