Chinese Zodiac Family
posted: February 3, 2011
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This was a challenging and fun private commission for a family portrait with the members depicted through the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. I find the Chinese Zodiac much more interesting and entertaining than the Greek Zodiac with all of the 1970's memories of, "What's your sign?" still hanging around. I much prefer being an Honest Dog to a Cancer any day. The original assignment sketches portrayed the family members as paintings hanging on the walls. I tried to work out that direction but the design became so painfully static that it was quickly abandoned. A few more sketches and a few minor changes and I got the green light to make the painting. It was a fun piece to create and through the process I learned a new respect for patience and commitment when working with oils and I am looking forward to doing more pieces like this.
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Carl Wiens February 3, 2011
Great piece, Richard.
My kids and I were discussing our zodiac signs last night, Greek and Chinese. Great fun!
Chris Buzelli February 4, 2011
I knew this sounded too familiar! I was also approached with this overly complex commission. You somehow managed to fit all those details into one well-orchestrated painting. Congrats Richard!
Richard Downs February 4, 2011
Carl, thank you and perfect timing!
Chris, Yep, it was complex, I am happy that you like it!
Dale Stephanos February 4, 2011
Quite a departure for you Richard, I love it. I like the Chinese zodiac as well. It feels more basses being a dragon than being a cancerous crab. Nice work.
Richard Downs February 4, 2011
Dale, thank you! Hey, we are both crabs, I knew that there was a reason we both liked bicycles so much!
Greg February 5, 2011
Perfect!
and that means a lot coming from this Virgo.
Richard Downs February 5, 2011
Greg, thanks man! Virgo acceptance feels good!
janet weaver February 5, 2011
We are ecstatic over our Chinese Zodiac portrait. You captured each of us in a unique and meaningful way. I imagined myself decades and decades in the future, a very, very old woman moving into a tiny little room. This is the painting I would take with me to hang on my little wall.
