Ode to Nikolai Fechin

Having once again rediscovered the work of the Russian master Nikolai Fechin , I thought I create a portrait in his style. Fechin's dramatic portraits in charcoal and oils, with a loose demeanor but a controlled hand, stirs emotion and inspires visions. More on him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolai_Fechin

Oil on Linen 18" by 22"

I sought to create a portrait of our friend Tijana using mostly the palette knife and was it ever fun. It is certainly hard to control especially if you are used to painting the traditional way with a brush; however the outcome is unique in its own way....