Blog

First, I want to thank the two people who recommended me as the artist for this portrait. I do not know who you are, but you have my heartfelt gratitude.

Anders Arborelius is Sweden's first cardinal, ever. So locally, he is a historic figure already in his lifetime. He is a very busy man, and does not have the time to sit for a portrait, so we started with a photo session. I was a bit nervous about meeting this august personage His Eminence, but rapidly discovered that he was basically just an ordinary bloke, with humility, intelligence, and a great sense of humour. He is used to being photographed, so he simply plonked down in a chair and patiently followed my instructions.

I've tried to catch his humour and discernment, and kept his slightly rumpled look, as that is so him.

This portrait, as it is a formal one, is painted in oils on linen in a classical style of realism. It is 101 x 65 cm (40x25") in size.

 

It was started with a drawing with pastel pencils on the stretched linen canvas.  I drew the lines in different colours, so it would be easier for me to know if a line belonged to, for example, the hands or the fabric.  I then sprayed pastel fixative to stop the pastel pigments from bleeding into the oils and contaminate them. Then I progressed piece by piece, in the classical manner of painting. First I 'sculpted' the face with colour, trying to create a 3D effect, while leaving his very short beard for later.

 

 

Then I focused on the background, the coat of arms, and added his beard.

 

 

When viewed on screen, the painting looks much more detailed than it is. In reality, there is a lot I simply have only suggested. Here are a few details:

 

What time is it? The watch is just a few brush marks, indicating the main shapes. I have blurred the line between the arm and the shadow within the sleeve, as details and lines there would only attract too much attention.

 

 

The crucifix is treated likewise, basically the medium value, and some darks and highlights:

 

 

I feel very honoured to have been chosen to paint the good Cardinal.

 

What do you think? I respond to all comments.