New Oil Painting Work

[Mike_Ormy_89]

Just uploaded some new work on deviantart that I've been doing. Some of it is from my last unit of my A-level Fine Art course which I have just finished. This was my first real try at painting with oils- inspired by Francis Bacon and Frank Auerbach. Critique would be very much appreciated :

http://mikeormy.deviantart.com/

[Craig D]

Hi Mike
If you would like comments on one or two pieces, please post them here for viewing.

[Mike_Ormy_89]

The first painting is from my A-level unit: based of a series of photographs and very quick preliminary sketches. I was trying to capture a sense of movement and speed- not sure whether this was successful or not.

The second is two paintings from a planned 3 ( the third will be complete soon). These were inspired by a scene from Battleship Potemkin. I thried painting on a red surface, as I usually paint on black or dark purple, for a change and to see whether this effects the emotion of the images.

[Zoroko]

I really love the colors you used, nice work.

I like the bottom two the most.

[Mike_Ormy_89]

Thank you very much!

[Zimzibar]

I think the red background gives the piece more energy as it contrasts strongly (and nicely) with the blue paint you used. I like the last one the most, because it's at an angle...although the lines at the top that are going straight up instead of diagonal do make it look a bit awkward. Other than that, they all def look dynamic and give a good sense of movement to me

[Justin.]

Zoroko, with all do respect this is the critique center; posts should be constructive.

Your facial anatomy needs some work- use your reference as much as possible, and remember that all things are in perspective... always.

Also, speed is usually evoked with long flowing lines, not small zig-zaggy ones. To get inspiration for speed, look at the silhouette of cars. They are simple and elegant, sporty/performance vehicles (Nissan 350z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Hyundai Tiburon, etc.) are the better to look at.

The bottom 2, I feel like I should be happy for their pain. The red is too orange/pink. Try going for Scarlet, darker red with a touch of blue in it.

[Mike_Ormy_89]

Appreciate all critique, especially the part about speed- I almost want the faces to be pulled upwards- trying to use similar techniques to Bacon (which was inspired by Titian's Portrait of Cardinal Filippo Archinto (below))

I think the red probably is slightly too orangey, although this could be my camera as it isnt as orange in 'real life'. I agree I need to work with anatomy, but I don't want to get too bogged down with it, learning all the names and such. I'd rather my paintings had an emotional impact than a 'that looks so realistic' one. Justin Oaksford's comment about feeling happy for the pain is very interesting. Cheers