A Portrait of Gratitude: A Turning Point in My Artistic Career.
Diego Gutiérrez ValenzuelaShare.
Recently, I had the pleasure of creating a portrait that marked a turning point in my career as a painter. The work combines digital and traditional techniques to capture the essence of a very special person.
The painting is a reflection of my gratitude for life and the people who make it so precious. I wanted to capture the beauty and essence of this moment in a portrait that went beyond a simple representation.
The creative process was an exciting journey, where I explored different techniques and styles to achieve the desired result. The combination of digital and traditional techniques allowed me to experiment and find new ways to express my art.
The birth of a portrait.
An unusual day marked the beginning of my creative process. The idea of creating a portrait of Andrea took hold of my mind and became a necessity. I was inspired by a selfie she had taken (and which, I must admit, I "acquired" without permission... until I confessed it to her).
My passion for Baroque painting and the portraits of old masters led me to focus my work in that direction. I used Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 and Procreate to bring my vision to life. These programs allowed me to explore and resolve my creative concerns.
The need to create something special drove me to continue. The result is a portrait that reflects my admiration and appreciation for the person who inspired this work.
Preparation of the Work.
Once my doubts were resolved, I began to work. I chose wood as the support, a renewable and attractive material. To prepare the surface, I applied five coats of gesso , sanding between each layer to achieve a smooth, even surface.
My goal was to create a monochromatic painting, using the grisaille technique, a technique that uses different tonal values, to create an image that imitates reliefs or sculptural effects... This technique is applied in both traditional and digital drawing, and is often used as a base to apply color in translucent layers later, which allows for greater control of luminosity and volume. The work process was divided into two distinct phases: shape and color, which were treated separately.
This approach involves a more thoughtful process, where the shapes are more intentional and the layers are more nuanced, allowing for brighter colors and greater depth in the work.
This process is slower and requires patience, but the result is worth it. It's always my preferred approach, as it allows me to create more complex and detailed works.
Meaning of the Work.
The title of the work is "Clarity." Its brilliance and beauty come together in a single piece. The light coming from below creates a mysterious effect. In photography, this type of lighting is known as nadir or downlighting.
Her dark skin, resembling the golden wheat, glows. Her mole is a distinctive feature that emphasizes her identity, and her naturally wavy hair adds a touch of authenticity and beauty to the work.
This particular piece allowed me to grow and discover new creative possibilities. I'm excited to share it with you and hope it inspires you as much as it does me.
