Thoughts on Painting - by Carol Baxter Kirby

The world of portrait painting is filled with unique pleasures and untold opportunities as I travel to meet new people with whom I come to know and love as I paint their portrait. Each new commission is a challenge I embrace and enjoy from the first sitting until the final delivery.

It is a rare privilege to have a wonderful studio to work where North light floods the room and a side garden affords a wonderful respite when a break is needed. Many of my clients come to the studio and enjoy learning more about how I work and viewing the different canvases and drawings placed around the studio, which are at various stages of completion. The spectrum ranges from young children to older adults and all ages in between. The clothing runs the gamut from delicate and complicated lace patterns to solid business suits where I hunt for the detail and interest. The backgrounds vary from abstract layers of interesting brushstrokes to elaborate details, whether the setting is a more formal indoor atmosphere or a relaxed outdoor landscape.

In the studio I work on a large easel with a crank handle that allows for easy maneuvering of the canvas so that I don’t have to strain to reach all the different areas. I designed the palette I employ and had it custom made from a large music stand with glass added to the top. This keeps my arm free from the weight of holding a palette and allows me to paint for longer stretches of time. I generally paint five or six days a week. A large mirror is placed approximately eight feet behind me so that I can turn around and catch a glimpse of the painting in reverse and double my viewing distance. The mirror instantly reveals how the painting is viewed from far away. It is important to understand how a painting reads when someone first sees it, as well as the intricate passages that compel the viewer to step forward for closer inspection. To the left of the easel is a computer monitor that I use to view the photographic references. It is the closest representation to having a live model in the studio vs. photographic prints. This way I am able to constantly adjust color and value to avoid a photographic look. I was trained in painting from life and continue that practice to this day in order to take paintings to a higher level of understanding and truth.

In each painting I strive for a sense of color harmony to compliment a strong design element. It is foundational that each portrait represents an accurate likeness, but it is equally important that it is a stunningly beautiful work of art. This takes a lot of time and planning. It involves taking risks with colors and brush strokes and not settling for the safe thing that “works”.

Each time I paint, I know something new and wonderful is waiting to be discovered. Every day I wonder what I will learn and where it will lead. I am a person of deep faith and constantly pray as I paint. Sometimes I sit back and marvel at the goodness of God and His blessings on my life to enjoy this career of portrait painting so much and to grow as a person and artist each day. I pray to be a blessing to each person I work with and that the whole experience as well as the finished work of art will be treasured and bring joy to those with whom I have come to know through this exciting world of painting.