Blog

Here's a peek into my studio life between December 2015 and the present.  Much of this work will be included in my upcoming solo exhibit, Recent Oil Paintings by David Tanner, opening May 20 at Crossroads Art Center.  An upcoming blog will be a preview of the entire exhibition. 

Single-Space

Oil, 22x28, 2016

This painting was begun in late December, with the model posing in my studio surrounded by props you may recognize from previous paintings. The typewriter was being discarded over a year ago, and sensing it's value as an element in a painting, I rescued it from the garbage knowing I could use it at some point. The blue lamp was once in my home, and now is part of a growing collection of lamps at my studio. The table cloth is actually a scarf I bought in Turkey and makes an appearance in another painting featured in this blog...see if you can find it! This is the same model, who is indeed a writer, featured in my 2015 figure-painting First Draft.

 

Detail from Single-Space


  
Two 8x10 studies completed from life, with the model, Michael, posing in my studio.  Much of the completed painting was worked on using photographs over the course of over seventy hours, but these small color studies proved invaluable in acting as a guide for colors and values.  The camera can be a helpful tool, but should never be completely depended upon by a painter.  A trained eye is much more sensitive to color and value relationships, and small studies such as these do not have to include detail to aid in developing the finished piece. 

Model Break

Oil, 30x24, 2016

Like Single-Space, Model Break was also begun in late December.  Set in my studio, it was painted over the course of 80 hours. The model is also featured in the paintings Late For Practice (2016) and Joshua's Flowered Shirt (2014). About a hundred photos helped to narrow down the gestures of the figures.  For the painting, I had to rely on photos of myself assuming the pose in the background, but much of the figure of the model and the surroundings in the studio were painted from life, or from studies painted from life. 

Detail from Model Break



Detail from Model Break

In the foreground, an 11x14 study completed from life, which was referred to, along with photographic references, in the completion of the final painting. 

The Danish Boy

Oil, 14x11, 2016

The Danish Boy was painted in late March of this year. The model, Adam, posed for a Wednesday afternoon painting session that I host in my studio with artist friends sharing the cost of the model fee. 

Joe at the Window

Oil, 16x20, 2016

Joe at the Window began late last last year, with the model posing in my studio at a north-facing window. The orange drapery is actually a large scarf from Turkey, which also appears in the painting Single-Space. The painting was set aside for several months incomplete, but was recently brought out and finished. 
 

Here is a progression showing stages of development during a three-hour session in March with a theatre friend named Grey.  I had seen Grey in many plays and musicals, but she was off-stage one day when I spotted her wearing this hat. When I contacted her about posing for my model group, I requested she sit for us in this very picturesque hat. 

The Girl in the Floppy Hat

Oil, 14x18, 2016
 

Study in White With Lemons

Oil, 14x18, 2016

This still-life was painted in March alongside my students during a weekly oil painting class at Visual Arts Center of Richmond. The white ceramic pitcher has been used in many of my paintings. 
 

At the Cafe Table

Oil, 20x16, 2016

The same model from Joe at the Window posed for this scene, orchestrated in my studio back in the fall. Joe brought a bow tie that happened to be the same shade of green as the wine bottle, so the match was a happy coincidence. The painting had been put aside, and was recently resurrected and completed. 

Here's a shot of a painting in progress, with another theatre friend, Audra, as model. Like At the Cafe Table, this figure composition is aided by the multitude of props I keep at my studio for staging scenes.
 

Having a set appointment each week with a different model presents a new challenge each week. Not only good practice, but also an opportunity to add new work to my portfolio.  Here are some other recent studies: 


Study of Jacob 

Oil, 16x12, 2015


Study of Virginia

Oil, 14x11, 2016

Giampaolo in Yellow Scarf

Oil, 20x16, 2016
 

Some recent ads in PleinAir Magazine

The cover of the spring catalogue for the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, where I teach a weekly class in alla-prima oil painting. This photo was taken by a student during a painting demonstration last summer. 

Thanks to The Portrait Society of America for awarding my portfolio 5th Place for the Best Portfolio Award at their annual Art of the Portrait conference in Washington DC!  I'm really honored, and left completely inspired after seeing some amazing demos and meeting some amazing artists over the weekend of April 14-17.  I watched demos by Daniel Gerhartz, Rob Liberace, Michael Shane Neal, Quang Ho...too many artists to name that I really admire.  I left there completely inspired!

With artist friends Christine Lashley, Gavin Glakas, and Hiu Lai Chong after the awards ceremony on April 17 of The Art of the Portrait conference. 

I hope you have enjoyed this latest edition of my Behind the Scenes series of blogs. Keep an eye out for my next newsletter in May announcing my preview-blog for my upcoming exhibit!

All the best, 

David