Painted Master Copies
After Caravaggio detail of "Judith Beheading Holofernes"
Work in Progress
The following images illustrate some of the painting stages and techniques that I implemented in my recreation of Caravaggio's "Judith Beheading Holofernes". Judith's dramatic facial expression, the narrative and stark lighting effects demanded my attention as an artist to investigate this with a paintbrush.
Oil on Panel - 18" x 24"
The Beginning of Dead Colour
The layering of thick lead white oil paint serves as a springboard for the layers to follow. The skin will glow in the lights as each subsequent layer is applied over this mask of white contrasting the quiet and subdued nature of the shadows.
Starting Big Form Modelling
I am starting to create the illusion of three dimensional space through the conceptualization of geometric forms found within the face. This slow modelling process is concerned with the large and subordinate forms "turning in space" lending a sense of depth to the work.
First Painting
It is during this part of the process whereby I am closely investigating and copying the anatomical renderings of this portrait to make my Judith look like Caravaggio's. More attention is paid to the accuracy of colour, forms, transitions and blending in comparison to the Dead Colour and Big Form Modelling Stage.