PEACE MONGERS SERIES
PORTRAITS
An ongoing series of popular deceased icons that I recognize as ‘Peace Monger’. To unify the series each portraits is displayed in old, round, beveled-glass, frames. The final render is a high contracted portrait with the subjects hand or hands on display in any manner. Each portrait was made from many watercolor materials, conté crayon, and charcoal.
To qualify as a Peace Monger in this series, There is a set of qualifications that need to be met.
-They can no longer be living
-The person needs to have been a Peace Monger in his or her lifetime. A peace monger is a person who encourages or advocates peaceful conduct towards others. I come to this conclusion after much research on the individual's life.
-They need to have lived in an era that photography was an existing technology, after 1830. I prefer that there be many photographs in existence to make the study of the subject easier.
PORTRAIT ONE
ALBERT EINSTEIN 1879—1955
Einstein's was a Secular Humanist and supported the idea that humans are capable of being ethical and moral without religion or a god. Einstein's religion, philosophy and his scientific discoveries, as well as his remorse for his role in Hiroshima, qualify him as a peace monger. He accomplished great thing in his lifetime and I admire his views on the universe.
Image
The original photo was found black and white. The photographer and information on the found photo is currently unknown.
Resources
The Delution
Fun Facts
Einstein refused to wear socks.
PORTRAIT TWO
CHARLIE CHAPLIN 1889—1977
Chaplin's work as an actor and vision for the mankind qualified him as a peace monger. Banned from the USA for being anti-american. He was pegged as a communist, for wanting nothing more for humanity than a roof over every man's head.
Image
The photo painted was a still frame that I captured from Charlie Chaplin's Full Movie 'The Kid' 1921.
Resources
The Great Dictator Final Speech
The Kid
Fun FactsCharlie Chaplin once won third prize in a Charlie Chaplin look-a-like contest.
Proverbial Principle Triptych
2011
3’×3’
watercolor, Conté crayon, red Lipton tea, charcoal
This is a triptych, hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. The individuals are my two of my best friends of the left and my little brother on the right. Each person's stance represents a shield of protection that they provided for me, against a personal childhood hellion. Below shows process; photographs and initial sketch.
Pin Up Triptych
2011
Found make up
A study done on pin up women. The medium used is unusual but related to the subject. From referencing many images of women, some example seen below, I have created my own fragmented ideal women. She is segmented into three parts, the Legs, the butt, and the chest so each part can be admired separately. To represent when women are analyzed this way that are seen as a collection of parts and not an entire human being. Intentionally excluding her gaze so she can be objectified by her viewer.
Alternative Self Portrait
2011
3’X3’
Chalk Pastels, Charcoal
This is a symbolic alternative self portrait. Framed and intentionally warped to fit within the constraints of a human pupil. The Portrait represents the reflection that I would see in another person’s eye as they gaze upon me. In this portrait the viewer is looking at me while I reach out to them. I was inspired by the concept of seeing myself in others, and seeing others in me as a deep connection.
I developed this idea after spending a lot of time thinking about how I exist through influence, support and memories of others. Drawn from reference photo below.
Fine Art
Client Personal
Role Artist
Discipline mixed media
I also identify as a technical fine artist, focused on both figure and portraits. I use a grid and work from reference photographs. This body of work shows my progression over time. while I experiment with different materials. I most prefer rendering both hands and faces. And enjoy painting subjects that have high contrast. The mediums I am currently infatuated with are watercolor and conté.
I am currently accepting commissions.
Send requests to jpurdy92@gmail.com