Sunday, September 20, 2009

Espresso Cup


Espresso Cup
oil on hardboard panel
12'' x 12"

I've been painting coffee cups like this for years now. I've been on a quest to capture that elusive translucent quality of the ceramic surface. I feel I get a little closer with each new attempt, and one of these days I'm going to nail it.
This piece gave me a lot of trouble when it came to photographing the finished painting. I'm still not happy with the final image, but after nearly an hour of phutsing with it in Photoshop, I felt it was acceptable. Photographing the final painting, and producing an accurate likeness is a real challenge. I've been modifying my technique over the years, and have yet to come up with a foolproof method. As with the technique for painting ceramic, I hope to, one of these days, develop a system that consistently results in a faithful reproduction.


12 comments:

Chris said...

You know, I really don't think there'll ever be a way to truly capture a painting through photography.

Paintings are about surface, texture, color. Watching people observe paintings (especially realism), you'll notice they walk right up to the piece to get a true sense of it. It is there, up close to the piece, where the artists leaves the magic.

For me, I'm resigned to accepting that a photograph of the painting shown in a web browser is just way to show a sampling of the composition, color and subject.

And chances are that if someone enjoys what they see on the web, they'll love it in real life.

Meagan said...

Your painting is so beautiful. I too have such difficulty in the reproduction of my work through photography. Especially the color match once printed. But what you are showing on your blog page is lovely. Thanks for sharing your work...it really does inspire me.

LeAnn Whitacre said...

I really like this - very calming. I'm sure painting it wasn't nearly as calming as looking at it! But it really is amazing. I'm very new to painting, and this is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about it.

Kai Büker said...

It is wonderful painting, very lovely and so full of details.
Yes, a photo of a painting is always a (bad) surprise. I'm always looking for right technique, but i didn't found it. Perhaps someone know a resources about this...

Arcobaleno said...

Incredible realism..!!!!!

Anonymous said...

this is totally AMAZING!!!

turcios curriculum said...

fantástico como siempre!!
abrazo

James Neil Hollingsworth said...

Hey everybody, and thanks for the encouraging words. It's nice to hear such positive comments as the October show approaches. And Chris you're absolutely right, I just can't help but hope for more. You know? Maybe the next camera, lens or scanner will give me the results I'm looking for. I appreciate your well crafted response. Neil

Paul Coventry-Brown said...

Brilliant Neil! The reflections in the cup, the cast shadow the subtle tones in the tablecloth .......
I know the huge difficulty of depicting the reflections and still getting the roundness and shine to work and you have done a great job.
Very atmospheric composition too :-)

Anonymous said...

Another siperb painting! Just found your blog - What a find!

Going to add you to my blogs fav links right away! Hope you get chance to take a look at my blog one day :)
http://wildlifeart.wordpress.com

Jason
fellow artist

Rob Hazzard said...

Your work blows me away! I can't even begin to imagine the focus you must have in order to create such paintings.

Don Coker said...

Beautiful simplicity, Neil! Suddenly I need a cup of java!