Old Man Take a Look at My Life
I made a monotype for my father on his 90th birthday celebration.
Tom Bennett
It is a widely accepted notion among painters that it does not matter what one paints as long as it is well painted. This is the essence of academicism. There is no such thing as good painting about nothing.
- Mark Rothko
Harry, 2009, monotype, 18 x 12
click here for larger image
May 28, 2009 at 8:14 am
the sense of light and atmosphere, and the expression is fantastic in this, Tom. he looks happy and angelic–your love and admiration took this to another level. and the balance between abstraction and representation is as good as it gets!
May 28, 2009 at 2:06 pm
yeah tom’s a master at toeing the reality/abstraction line! silly dude.
May 28, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Reality is an illusion. At least that’s what is getting me through the day. thank you, you two illusions.
May 28, 2009 at 9:30 am
I think the start contrast between light and dark is extremely powerful. I also appreciate the power of simplicity and balance; you didn’t over complicate a subject that carries so much personal intensity.
May 28, 2009 at 10:04 am
Ditto what Steph said about balance! I hope I’m able to smile like that when I’m his age.
May 28, 2009 at 5:01 pm
He’s got a good head on his axis.
May 28, 2009 at 2:04 pm
your prints, this one very much so, are very sculptural and tactile. there’s gold in them thar details, mr bennet!
May 28, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Thanks, Meg-o, Andrew and Mr Bodah.
May 31, 2009 at 2:11 pm
“The portrait is one of the most curious art forms. It demands special qualities in the artist, almost total kinship with the model ” – Matisse.
I think that’s what happened here and makes it so good!
May 31, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Thanks, Deborah! He liked it, i think. I suspect. I’m guessing.