Metaphorical Portraits

Painting portraits used to be all about realism, perhaps occasionally with a hint of glamour, depending on the purpose of the portrait and the artist’s style.

Now, in the 21st century, where photography has joined the arts, what is the purpose of a painted portrait?

Photography is effortlessly realistic,  and a skilled photographer can make an incredible, as well as artistic portrait of anybody, so the painter has to be able to provide something the photographer cannot. Realism is is still a part of it, but a painting can additionally show a glimpse into the soul of its subject. A metaphorical portrait uses symbolism, color, as well as personal preference and the subject’s personality to show us something essential about them.

That is why metaphorical portraits are the only kind of portraits I paint.

The Story Behind the Painting

I generally prefer not to explain my art, but I will give a little bit of insight into the above portraits mainly in order to explain the metaphorical aspect. Click on any portrait to see the larger image and get a better understanding of the personal aspects involved with each.

 

Surrealism is merely a more creative form of realism.