I think that a portrait is an idea, or an expression about the artist. I think that it doesn't have to be of a persons body or face, it could be a place, or a certain time, it is just relevant to the artist, and very specific to their life. The artist is allowing people to view aspects of their life, and letting people into their life. I think that a portrait is the most honest reflection of an artist. In these three paintings/portraits, the artist has made the person painted very personal, and important. There are few to no details in the background of the picture, and if there are any, they are there solely to enhance the person in the portrait. The person that is being painted takes up almost the entire canvas, and they are the main focus. There is nothing in the painting that the viewer could focus on besides the person in the painting. Although these paintings are all trying to create the same message, that the painting is about the person focused on, they all take very different approaches. In the first painting, the woman painted looks naked, and is not looking in the direction of the painter. Also, the black and white gives the painting a very dark, and sad feel. In the second picture, it is again in black and white, but it is more faded, giving the picture an older, or faded/historical feel. The picture is up close, and quite personal feeling because of how close the viewer is to the persons face. In the last painting, the woman is in a long, flowing black dress. The painting feels very formal, and elegant. Although these portraits differ in layout and design, the overall concept is clear: it is clearly focused on the person in the picture.
1. Shiva At Whistle Creek
2. Georgia O'Keeffe by Alfred Stieglitz
3. Mdame X by John Singer Sargent
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