I have taken many photographs of my brother Mike and have painted his portrait numerous portraits of him. Mike has been a mystery to me my entire life: since the 1950s. He is very low functioning, has never spoken and is autistic. My motivation has been to try and understand what his mysterious facial expressions mean. Most of the time Mike has an unusual look about him. One of his eyes look in one direction while the other looks elsewhere.
In most of the family photographs of Mike from the 1950s, it is easy to tell that something is wrong. I found the photograph below in one of the movies that my dad took of us kids. I had almost forgotten that Mike would smile occasionally.
Young Mike Smiling
Even though the photo is grainy, one can see that Mike is amused about something. His facial expression telegraphs happiness or at least some kind of satisfaction.
Today, I tried to paint my brother’s happy face (three times).
Young Mike Smiling 1
9″x12″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block
Young Mike Smiling #2
9″x12″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block
Young Mike Smiling #3
12″x16″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block
I clearly missed the mark on these portraits. I must be more attuned to painting unusual features and expressions than plain, smiling people.
Smiles are very difficult. I like the third one especially, it definitely has the feeling of a spontaneous smile. And I thing working from a less detailed image gives a freedom to the lines and shapes. (K)
I agree. The less the better. Thanks, K!