Head Sketch no.3

The key to being a good artist's model is an ability to hold a pose for an extended period of time.  Some are better at it than others.  Some models drift constantly from the original pose, some like to talk a lot, and some fall asleep.  But then there are those models who can hold a pose in stillness for hours at at time.... not an easy task.  I often wonder, while I'm painting them, what it is they're thinking of as they stare off over my shoulder in a steady gaze.  Have they perfected some sort of zen like mindset to maintain focus?  Or, maybe they're just going over the items they need to pick up later at the grocery store.

Head Sketch no.3
14x11 inches - Oil on linen panel
Available

New Site and Demo

For some time now I've considered creating a completely new blog devoted to the topic of learning how to paint and other general tips for painters. I finally decided it was time to get it going. So here it is... The Painter's Box. I plan on gradually building up and adding demos, tips, video, etc. over time. The first post is the "Stella" demo I promised you. Have a look... Painting a Portrait of Stella.
 
If you'd like to receive email updates for The Painters Box and / or this blog head on over to this sign up form and make sure you enter your email and check the list you want to subscribe to.

Enjoy!

-Justin

Stella Demo

Stella

It's probably an impossible thing to ask child to sit in one place for hours to have their portrait painted but it's even tricky to convince them to sit still for a photo. I wasn't about to ask Stella to sit for hours. I just needed a few pics to use for the painting later. Luckily Stella's father came to the rescue and like any good parent pulled out his iPad and started playing a movie. Things went pretty well after that and I got the photos I needed. Thanks for being patient with us adults Stella... and thanks for sitting still!

For artists who are interested in the the details of painting a portrait I will be posting a photo demonstration of this painting soon that you might find helpful. Stay tuned!

Stella, 16x12 in., oil on linen

Head Sketch

I love the challenge of painting a subject in one sitting but when that subject is a person it adds to the challenge.  It's a balancing act of color and value while maintaining proportions and correct drawing.  It's an intense undertaking.

On a related note I will be putting together some tutorials / demos on painting in oil.  If you are interested  in learning how to paint or are just looking to sharpen your skills please take a moment to comment on what you would like to see in these tutorials.  Your comments are appreciated! 

Melissa

I'm happy to announce that I will be selling some of my work through the Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa California. Not only does Randy have a great space to hang art but he is also one of the nicest people I know! Today's painting "Melissa" was painted at the gallery about a week ago and is available for purchase there (click the "Available" link below the painting for contact information).
Also, Lines and Colors did a little write up on my work recently. You can see it here: Justin Clayton on Lines and Colors


14x11 in., oil on linen panel
SOLD

Woman with Braids

14x11 in., oil on linen panel
Available

Man with Black Beard

10x8 in., oil on linen panel

Available

Woman with Roses

14x11 in., oil on linen
SOLD

I did this painting about a week ago at the Randy Higbee Gallery. There was a studio painting session where artists were invited to come and paint from a live model. I met some really great people there. The atmosphere was fun, the food was delicious and the art was inspiring. Thanks Randy!

Van

Some of you know that my brother Matt is a very talented photographer. Recently we talked about approaching the same subject matter and then comparing the results.

The subject we chose was Van, a friend of mine. Not only did Van endure our artistic prods "Face to the right... stand up... hold that" etc. he also sat patiently for a few hours so I could paint the portrait. Thanks for being our guinea pig Van.


14x11 in., oil on linen panel
Available



Matt Clayton Photography

Jayson

14x11 in., oil on linen panel
Available

Profile of Sara

9x12 in., oil on linen
Available

Girl with Black Scarf

12x10 in., oil on linen panel

SOLD

Girl in Pink Dress

9x12 in., oil on linen panel
SOLD

This is a larger and more finished version of a small sketch I did a few years ago. It's been on my mind for some time as I've wanted to revisit this subject for awhile... so it was nice I had the opportunity to do it recently. I was reminded again how simplicity in composition strengthens the focus of a subject. I originally painted a sun hat lying beside the girl but realized it took away from the focal point of the painting... the girl. Fran, the lady who commissioned this piece suggested that the hat was a distraction and after taking a fresh look at it had to agree with her. So I took it out. We both were happy with the result.

I thought you might like to see the first version before I removed the hat. What do you think?

Recent Figurative Paintings

A few weeks ago I said I was going to post more figurative paintings... so here are a couple of recent ones. I don't consider these to be Daily Paintings, as I spent more than the typical three hours on each, but I thought you might like to see them.


Afternoon Laundry 14x9 in.

I started this painting with the intention of painting two figures but soon realized that just one made for a more interesting painting. Sabrina was standing with the basket resting on her hip, head pointing downward and the clothesline leading to her face. These subtleties were more interesting to me than what was actually going on...ahem...laundry.


Natalie 10x8 in.

This one's a straight forward portrait of my wife, Natalie.

Both of these paintings will be in the Richeson Art Exhibition next month (June).

sketch of a young girl

click to bid

Although it's been awhile since I've posted a portrait I really do enjoy painting people. For me it takes more focus to paint people because the facial features are a real challenge. I plan to do more of these sketches in the future.

girl with book 7x5 in.

click to bid

girl with blue hat 5x7 in.

click to bid

girl and lamp (study) 5 3/4 x 7 in.

click to bid

girl reading 6x6 in.

click to bid

black ribbon 5x7 in.

click to bid