They say a “Picture Is Worth A Thousand” words, and if that’s true, then the human face must contain at least a thousand pictures; a composite of snapshots that tell of triumphs and tragedies and a lifetime of short stories within every wrinkle and scar.
Artist Erin Fitzpatrick has painted faces for as long as she can remember. “I think it comes from the same place that gives one the desire to people watch,” she says. Only Fitzpatrick takes the “watching” many steps further, absorbing the bits of a life’s history with her eyes, then putting her interpretation of that face back on canvas. These are not portraits that look like photos. No, these are definitely paintings that are stylized. Erin says the reason for that is, “It’s important to me to retain a painterly quality in my work. I want to show brushstrokes and my hand in the painting. While I do aim to capture the likeness of my subject, it means more to me that my work is successful as a painting than as a piece of photorealism.”
Since she makes it a point to meet and get to know her subjects, there’s a real risk that, once the work is done, the finished painting may not be exactly what the subject had in mind. Can you imagine trying to get a good night’s sleep before the big “reveal”? It’s not easy.
“It’s always super nerve wracking to wait and see how someone is going to react to his or her own portrait. Although I have to own what I decide is a finished painting, it is really rewarding to get positive feedback from the subjects and their friends and family.”
Indeed, these days, Erin Fitzpatrick fields many requests for her unique brand of portraiture-but she seems determined to keep up with the demand, while also stretching out in other areas as an artist. If you find yourself being watched by an attractive lady with red hair, don’t get too full of yourself…it might just be Erin sizing you up and “reading your story” as you pass by.
PLEASE WATCH THE SLIDE SHOW TO YOUR LEFT AND...For more information on Erin Fitzpatrick’s work, please visit: http://fitzbomb.blogspot.com/
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