Unleash the Art of Portrait Painting

Step into a world where every brushstroke has the power to capture a person's essence, where each gaze brings their spirit to life. This is the art of portrait painting, a craft that carefully combines skill and technique to immortalize its subjects. In the words of Ivo Andrić, "When we paint someone's portrait, we kill them a little with every glance, just as biologists kill the small animals they prepare. And when we have killed them in their entirety, they come to life in our painting."

Mastering the Art of Isolation

Creating a compelling portrait requires the ability to detach the subject from their surroundings, freeing them from the constraints of their environment. Amateurs and subpar painters often struggle with this intricate task, resulting in figures that appear stiff and trapped. But a true master of the craft understands how to isolate and liberate their subjects, bringing them to life on the canvas.

One Way, One Truth

Amidst the discussions of countless painting styles and techniques, Ivo Andrić poses a thought-provoking question: Why do we speak of a thousand ways of painting when there is only one that suits each of us? The notion of a thousand methods becomes futile when we acknowledge that each painter possesses their unique path. For those who claim to have a thousand ways, are they truly painting at all?

Revisiting the Dialogue with Goya

Explore the fascinating conversation between Ivo Andrić and the legendary artist, Goya, in the book "Gesprek met Goya". Crafted by Semna van Ooy in honor of her captivating drawing series "Tauromaquia naar Goya," this book breathes new life into their exchange of ideas. Originally released alongside the Spanish Masters exhibition at the Hermitage Amsterdam, this reissued edition is a testament to the enduring legacy of these artistic visionaries.

Join us on a journey into the heart of portrait painting, where the stroke of a brush can unlock the mysteries of the human soul. Published by A.A. Hoogteiling, Amsterdam, ISBN 978-90-820059-3-6. Visit www.semnavanooy.nl for more information.