Hmmm. For someone who is trying hard to sound astute, it is interesting that you would use a reply to announce that you aren't replying. The point is, Sean Cheetham's paintings are obviously gorgeous and he is quite talented. You reduce your arguments to how he holds his paintbrush, and ridiculously judging tattooed people as not being "real human beings". Your responses are irrational, and stink of bitter jealousy.
He does look like Johnny depp,I thought so too. He is a master. It must be difficult to challenge yourself as a painter when you have already gone so far. excellent work. I would love to have him as a teacher. Sean, are you always in CA, are you ever in NY?
2] The paint is pasty and superficially handled. Paintings like this are a dime a dozen. We call them "illustrative". But I prefer to give constructive advice, as I have done here. I could offer hundreds more suggestions, but something tells me it won't be well received. You don't explain what I "stink of bitter jealousy" over. It can't be the tattoos, because they always detract from the humanity of the individual. And it can't be this artist's "talent", there's not much of that in evidence.
1] Being astute, I was waiting for that response. You know exactly what I meant: a reply on the "merits". But your above comment had none. I could have written a long chapter on the failure of this type of painting, and on this portrait in particular. Since you criticize me for writing so little ("reducing my arguments"), I can see that you are clamoring for more. The painting is not gorgeous. It is awkward in composition (and other ways), and the badly held brush is indicative of this. [cont'd]
You heard it here first. Getting a tattoo is like shouting "Hey, I am Stupid! And don't ever forget it!" Yes, if I were looking for a model, a primary consideration would be to find a Real human being, not one who fell for a pathetic Trend.
First you say the real issues are not ideas. Then you say "Ideas, ..(etc).. That's where it's at". I suggest you clarify your thoughts before you comment.
A likeness you can only dream of, hence your bitter tone. No, the real issues are not ideas,, Having the ability to create likeness when one chooses to, displaying the skill to do so. Ideas, knowledge, technique and individual expression. Thats where it's at. Everyone has their own way of doing things, (including holding a paint brush). This guy is an individual and he is expressing that through whatever way he can. At a young age he already has the fundamentals down, what do you have?
Why are you people asking Sean questions? Can't you people read? This is a video of Sean doing a demo at a workshop a million years ago,this isn't even his RU-vid channel. This is the channel for the guy who ran the workshop sheesh.
Amazing, one thing I'd like to ask, when you did the underpainting in monochrome, did you let the paint dry before you added colour on top of it, or did you add it straight away?
Quite painful to me, to watch you hold a brush like that. But more to the point, painting should be about more than depicting a likeness. I would start by avoiding any sitter sporting "ink".
A demo? A demo?? Hahaha. Oh I get it, his "real" paintings are so much better! Sure I know criticizing his literal holding of the brush sounds silly, but only to those who don't know better. Ok, let's get serious. Materials, brushes, grounds, rabbit skin glue and all the other trappings are all distractions. The real issue is ideas, and knowing what makes a good painting. Notice I did NOT say rendering a sitter's superficial likeness. He has the likeness, but little else.
