Posthumous Portraits
I am often given very little to go with. Perhaps a black and white photo or old video footage. In the case of Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff (with the red and white sash) a trip to Vienna was necessary. The face and mutton chops were derived from earlier paintings and photos. An Austrian military historian instructed me concerning his uniform, medals and sword. The background depicts his victory at the Battle of Lissa, featuring the actual ships involved. These compositions are usually a synthesis of different elements, and a great challenge.
Copies
A painting copy is done in the presence of the original painting, in the same light and using easels on the same plane. This is the only way to achieve the same colours, tones and textures as the original. All other methods are ‘transcriptions’. Here are examples of both. Painting copies from old or recent masters is a valuable part of the traditional learning process.
“You should know that your work fooled our specialists when they were at Lord —’s home – we initially thought it was a mid-17th Century work (until we saw your signature on the reverse!)”