Portrait: The Ultimate Rebel

When I was growing up, I believed James Dean was my soul mate (so did many other teens, I'm sure!). He was an artist, sculpturer, poet, and photographer. Growing up, I really felt disconnected from everyone, friends and family. I attribute it to a lack of self esteem. In my teenage awkward geeky years, filled with angst and emotional volitility, I found his recklessness and commitment to living his life to the fullest appealing. Although, I still feel disconnected, I have outlets to express myself now.

Here is my attempt to paint James Dean. I've been studying value, color and a method used by the old master called grisaille. The process starts off with an underpainting of just shades of gray to establish value before color is added. It involves building colors up with layers. This style is new to me as I have been painting more in the style of Alla Prima - direct painting, usually done in one setting while paint is still wet. Mostly with soft pastel.

I don't really have a preference just yet as I am still learning. However, I find I lean more towards abstract than photorealism and I hate cleaning brushes.

In the interim, I have been scouring disappointedly on the internet for "Planes of the Head" by John Asaro. It is a cast of the human head depicting the various planes. It is an invaluable tool for any artists wanting to paint or sculpt the human head. 3-D Modelers reference this cast also. Great for studying value. I MUST HAVE THIS!! I start sculpturing next week, so maybe I could cast my own. :(

But if anyone knows anything about this cast, please let me know. I've already contacted a couple of schools about the cast in hopes that they may still be selling the cast.