Portraiture
“There is a sadness in beauty… and a beauty in sadness
…and such is the realm in which my work resides”
~ unknown
“Nyla” © D Fedeli – 2018
“I think this statement epitomizes that which so many artists seek to capture; the true, raw emotion that lies shuttered beneath the surface… the truth which defines the individual.”
Portraiture is the art of representing the physical or psychological likeness of a real or imaginary individual. From our earliest times, the portrait has been considered a means to immortality. Many cultures have attributed magical properties to the portrait: symbolization of the majesty or authority of the subject, substitution for a deceased individual’s living presence or theft of the soul of the living subject.
The giant among all makers of portraits was Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. In nearly 80 self-portraits he created a detailed psychological autobiography, from his joyous and exalted youth to his agonized old age. This series forms an introspective monument unique in art history. Rembrandt’s portraits of others are equally penetrating.
My roots in Fine Art began with portrait commissions. I have always been inspired to capture the passions and emotions that hide behind the eyes – passions that speak the true story of a person’s soul.
Got Art?
The Complete Solution – including Photography Services
In my view, photography is an effective means to capture the physical outline of the subject. The psychological profile however, is derived through the effective placement of color and emotion by the artist, and can only be accomplished through intense observation.
For this reason, photography can never replace the artists’ portrait; for the camera has no perception of the subject, no insight into their dreams and nightmares.
Sitting for a Portrait used to be a long drawn-out process, lasting for hours and days at a time.
describes what it feels like to be transformed into a work of art.
I recently read an article, written by
in it, he describes how he felt while sitting for a portrait. It was a unique opportunity to hear not just from a portrait subject, but one who is trained to understand the relationship formed in this unusual partnership.
It was insightful, and reinforced what all effective portrait artists know – you have to build that secret bond with the subject in order to discover their dreams and skeleton closet(s). All of this is critical to a successful outcome. Read the article here.
is an amazing, personal experience. It should be fun and intimate, and allow the subject a “safe zone” to let down their guard and truly be themselves. This used to be a painful, drawn out process, with the subject posed, unmoving for hours and days. With the advent of digital photography, it can be condensed into a few hours. This requires a much different interaction between the artist and subject, since there is so much less time to observe the subjects mannerism and moods.
(Limited offering – call for availability) David can work from existing photographs or digital images, but he also provides complete photographic services to compliment his Portrait offerings – at no additional charge. Keep in mind, creating a portrait requires much more than just a photograph.
While a portrait can certainly be done from supplied images, getting the most out of the process requires an experienced eye and a knack for making the subject feel at ease so they can enjoy the entire experience. This relaxed, comfortable atmosphere is critical, and it shows in the end results. You cannot capture the spirit within if the subject is tense or distracted, and ultimately, this spirit is what shows in the eyes and the finished product. David is happy to work in whatever style or genre you desire.
This is how I work:
Only the subject and the artist will be present in the Studio during photo/painting sessions, unless the subject is under the age of 18 (this is to allow the model complete freedom to express who she is, without any outside influences).
A signed model release will be required.
All subjects: Once we have discussed your project, we will agree to meet somewhere safe and public. You can bring anyone you want to in order to feel safe. However, we will need some time alone to discuss what YOU want from me during this process. This is all about you.
Commission a Similar Item
When you see works in the Gallery that have been sold, consider a commission. It allows me to create a similar piece specifically for you.
If you prefer a completely unique original work, I can incorporatate your ideas or work from a specific concept. I can also work from photographs to include monuments, objects, or scenes of familiar places that you have visited.
Whatever it is you seek, I would love the opportunity to discuss commissions with you.
