Figurative Paintings In My Series Of Romantic Pursuits

My latest series of fine fine art original oil paintings, all created on stretched cotton wool canvas using a pocketknife, in a limited colour palette and mixing only on the canvas.

I define my artwork fashion every bit being contemporary realism and the technique I apply is a form of segmented Alla prima, completed in three wet on wet layers during each painting session: The dark shadows and undertones, the mid-tones and then the highlights and light glaze effects. These particular compositions have a high chiaroscuro effect and I complete the underpainting layer in a lean blackness pigment assuasive the sweeping knife application textures to remain and outcome the main subject in the second layer which transition into the deep shadows in a drybrush technique past scraping dorsum.

My figurative compositions are influenced and inspired past the realism and romanticism of my favourite mail renaissance classical Masters and their timeless, romantic masterpieces. William Bouguereau in particular. They entail loftier contrast, dramatic lighting and shading, as I simply adore light and am fascinated with its arguably undue influence on any subject. With the subjects, I aim to capture a moody atmosphere full of drama, passion and emotion, rather than characteristic private representation of a traditional portrait. ~ Richard Young

Model woman at bar painting by Artist Richard Young