Michelle Dunaway

Portrait of Richard Schmid, oil, 40 x 27" (102 x 69 cm)

INSPIRATION

This painting has profound meaning to me. I was inspired by John Singer Sargent’s painting of his teacher Carolus Duran and wanted to pay homage to one of my most influential mentors, Richard Schmid. My desire was to convey to the viewer the experience of sitting with Richard in conversation during a painting session. He has touched so many people’s lives and artistic paths through his painting, teaching and his book Alla Prima.

I spent over a year and a half preparing to do this life size painting, it was a labor of love. This was my way of honoring the man, artist, friend and teacher I know him to be.

ARTISTIC PATH

Art fascinated me from as early as I can remember, and I have been drawing since I was able to hold a pencil. I went to art school and received training in drawing and anatomy, but most of my painting was learned on my own or from studying books, painting from life or visiting museums until I took my first workshop at age 29. My focus has always been to do the best work

I can possibly do. I have always believed that if the work was strong enough, a career would come naturally, and I have found that to be true.