Art Journey Portraits and Figures by Rachel Rubin Wolf

Author:Rachel Rubin Wolf
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: F+W Media

YEARS OF WISDOM Michael H. Malta graphite on paper 24" × 18" (61cm × 46cm)

BOB MANTHEY

What inspired you to draw this subject?

The classic self-portrait of the artist at work. The style was inspired by the pencil drawings of Norman Rockwell, the subject on a stark white background.

Did you work from a photo, live sitter or both?

Being a self-portrait, working from a photograph was the only option … but I always work from photographs. I set up the shot and took the reference photo myself, which made it tricky to look like I was working when I only had ten seconds to get from behind the camera and into position.

How did you determine which medium to use in this piece?

Until recently, my typical medium has been pencil, either straight graphite or Prismacolor. I have just recently gotten into oil painting and I am still developing my technique, but pencil was my go-to medium.

How would you describe your style?

Realistic, bordering on photorealistic. I believe it is an amazing technical achievement to do a piece that is almost impossible to determine whether it is a photograph or artwork, but I like the fact that my work still looks a little like artwork and not photocopy.

How many drawings/sketches of the subject did you do before you finished this one?

I don’t do preliminary drawings or sketches. I do that on the computer when I prepare my reference material. I’ll manipulate my reference image before I get started on the final piece. My finished piece of art is the only piece of art on the subject.

Which historical movements, periods or artists inspire you?

I am inspired by all artists. I spent thirty years of my professional career in advertising art: page layout, photo retouching and photo placement, very little actual artwork. In the meantime I developed carpal tunnel syndrome, and it became difficult and painful to hold a pencil for more than a few minutes without my fingers going numb. After I had the carpal tunnel surgery, I realized that I really should be using my talent and ability while I still can. Now, at fifty, I have a newfound appreciation for traditional artwork, and I am inspired by all artists, past and present.

Do you mainly consider yourself a portrait artist?

Yes, I would call myself a portrait artist. But then again … that’s all I’ve ever done. I did a few still life drawings in high school and college … but portraits are my forte.

Have you drawn this subject before?

No, this is the first time I’ve done a self-portrait. Well, actually, I did one in art school (Art Institute of Pittsburgh!), but it’s backwards because we did self-portraits while looking in a mirror.

What does portraiture teach us about life and art?

I believe it is the other way around. As an artist, I think that life and art have taught me about portraits. The painted or drawn portrait is more than a photograph can ever be. It takes the artist to put life into the portrait. Every artist

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