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Hey guys!

As silly as this may be..

I want to look at portraiture beyond that of the camera. The original portraits done by paintings, drawings, sketches, sculptures etc..

and was wondering where would be suitable to find as such.. it's a personal project for me as I'm going to find such portraits and attempt to recreate as such in my camera. It's a self improvement project in the way of thinking, "by going backwards it can lead me forward." by that I mean, I want to follow the footpaths of privileged photographers of late who by looking at portraits, found the key to lighting. That is my goal. Any recommendations would be much appreciated, and any tag alongs would be awesome too!

Thanks guys!

Marcus,

One of the best starting points for this would be a couple of days in Canberra, and a visit to the National Portrait Gallery. I was there in April last year, and it was a truly great experience.

Highly recommended.

gstark wrote:Marcus,

One of the best starting points for this would be a couple of days in Canberra, and a visit to the National Portrait Gallery. I was there in April last year, and it was a truly great experience.

Highly recommended.

Wow.. didn't even know there was a National Portrait Gallery..rest assured if Canberra be the way, so be it! haha might be able to find some tag alongs for this one too =D I was originally thinking of the Art Gallery in the city.. i previously went there to view the "Kenji" exhibition which was the first novels of the world. But would love to go for some art visuals.

Thanks for the heads up Gary! much appreciated

I have found the art critique on the strobist blog quite interesting. David Hobby uses a famous painting and publishes an interview with the original painter as to how it was lit. At least it covers the technical aspects of portraiture. The human aspect still eludes me...

I would second both the above, but would add the AGNSW (in the Domain), and also the many private galleries (shops!) in and around Sydney.

Also consider some of the many, many art books out there. We have Gardner, Gombrich and Sister Wendy among others. All are worthwhile. AGNSW has an extensive art bookshop, as well as a library accessible if you are a member.

For portraiture, I would also give a strong recommendation for anything on Leonardo Da Vinci. We have a complete works book & it is absolutely astounding. Especially the sketches. The Leonardo book we have is not cheap though (about $300) I think it was well worth it though. Still, originals are ALWAYS better than reproductions. I have seen this Renoir reproduced many times, but when I first saw it in the flesh, I was absolutely blown away. I stared for about two hours.

Just go to Ariel bookstore on oxford street paddington heaps of art books
But I'm sure if you use the net or even go to the library you can find heaps of content
I'm sure the nation portrait gallery has a website

If I were you though I would follow

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandro_Botticelli

read about it

Thanks for the heads up guys,

@ MrDarcy,

I've been studying some of LDV's work as a personal step towards what I'm looking to achieve, European art from the 14-17th century is what I'm styling lately.. that is.. in my head. To get it to reality is another thing.. but at least I can work my way towards it

I'm yet to look up David Hobby, but am quite keen on Sandro Botticelli.. I'll be going to Ariel Bookstore this saturday so hopefully I'll be able to purchase something

State library in Sydney...near parliament House. Moran portrait and photography exhibition. Excellent! Stop what you are doing and go now.

Don't purchase just browse

In the fashion industry a lot of people have done derivative concepts based on fine art
The compositions lighting and concept in a lot of Steven miesel's work is derivative of fine art paintings it's just modernized for today's aesthetic

Although what is interesting is you can do a smarter concept where you use voluptuous healthy looking models
Back in the 15th century curves and fat were perceived to be a sign of wealth

This painting ecole de Fontainebleau was ahead of it's time but I'm sure you can do a quirky modernization of it

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl= ... CCsQ9QEwBg

Matt. K wrote:State library in Sydney...near parliament House. Moran portrait and photography exhibition. Excellent! Stop what you are doing and go now.

Hahaha the Moran Portrait Exhibition! I was going to put forward an image for that.. but from memory it was $25 to enter, $25 i didn't have at the time I found out. Will be sure to go and have a peek when I can this week

wendellt wrote:Don't purchase just browse

In the fashion industry a lot of people have done derivative concepts based on fine art
The compositions lighting and concept in a lot of Steven miesel's work is derivative of fine art paintings it's just modernized for today's aesthetic

Although what is interesting is you can do a smarter concept where you use voluptuous healthy looking models
Back in the 15th century curves and fat were perceived to be a sign of wealth

This painting ecole de Fontainebleau was ahead of it's time but I'm sure you can do a quirky modernization of it

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl= ... CCsQ9QEwBg

Speaking of derivitives, I've recently viewed an image for Sony Erricson that was a mock image of the Creation of Adam by Michaelangelo. Quite memorable..

I'm finding myself more and more in love with what was to create my personal "what is", I think I need a trip to Italy..

With that concept, I'm sure I'll be able to create some modernization of it.. now to get a team organised!

Where to see Art?

in a art gallery, geez...

seriously though, sign up to the Artmail mailing list from the Sydney Art Gallery, I have found it very informative a few occasions..plus this is probably alittle closer than cold Canberra.

http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/

of course the recent Moran thingy http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=39782

Dont forget the Alfred Stieglitz: the Lake George years.
maybe not quite the era your looking for, but still very worth teh 10 bucks.

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=39475
http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/current/stieglitz

gstark wrote:Marcus,

One of the best starting points for this would be a couple of days in Canberra, and a visit to the National Portrait Gallery. I was there in April last year, and it was a truly great experience.

Highly recommended.

I been there before, it is great