As a female, I think I'm able to best convey emotion, thought, and narrative with the feminine form. That is not to say I am unfamiliar with tackling the male psyche. Admittedly, the male figures in my works are often used sparingly- not dealt with in any great detail or only supplemental to the main focal point. The few exceptions are when I paint my husband (but rarely are these seen by the public). Recently, though, I was commissioned to paint a man. I struggled slightly with how to treat the subject. Should I go completely Gothic or dramatic like much of my work, or go with a strong sketch or maybe just a simple value painting?... Well I tried a little of it all and below is the final result along with a few progress shots. Amusingly, the working title for this was "It Takes A Lot to Know A Man". I was listening to a LOT of Damien Rice during the process. It has since found a more appropriate title. Oil and Acrylic on Panel by Rachel Jones This is basic
