“Me-tail”

I didn’t make up the term, but it makes sense to me.  Traditional retail appeals to me about as much as much as making (or buying) the kind of open market art that has a factory-made, gimmicked-out feel to it. 

Something to sink my teeth into

As complicated as mouths are to paint, part the lips and the problem is only intensified.  Teeth are best hidden if you’re unsure of how to tackle them.  Nothing will make a painting look strained like a toothy mouth poorly painted.

Liberty, equality, and homeland security.

Everything I know about patriotism, I learned in grade school making handprint turkeys in late November. 

 

A portrait is a painting with something wrong with the mouth.

The 19th century American portraitist John Singer Sargent famously said so, and, in many ways, he was right. 

A little pouch of love

Also known as a little pooch of love.

Expressive ears

My grandfather was a master at wiggling his, but, beyond that, I’ve never seen a person reveal much about who they are with their ears.  It’s not a human thing to have expressive ears: that realm of possibilities belongs to our furry friends.

On letting go of my babies

I’m very attached to every painting I make, but that doesn’t mean I’m not ready to see each one make its own way in the world.

Knows nose.

Reproducing David’s nose (or, for that matter, anyone’s nose) precisely in a portrait is not that important to creating an arresting likeness.

Working from perfect mistakes to plausible corrections

I have to agree with Chris Haberman: that’s the only way to make a painting.

Eye like you.

How the size of a person’s pupil can make her-him more or less attractive.

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