Eric Vanasse

As a professionnal art historian, I spent over a decade studying and admiring works of arts. When I decided to experience the creative end of art, I was drawn to the classsical figurative because of its inherent sensibility and humanity.

Painting and especially portraiture is an ongoing learning experience. I have studied under classically trained artists from North America and Europe and I continue under the invaluable guidance of Irena Korosec in Montreal

I try to capture more than a likeness; I strive to depict a general mood specific to the subject, or perhaps what could be called the essence of the person.

For portrait commissions, I guarantee 100% satisfaction. We will select the pose, background and often the clothes together. You will have a chance to see the painting in its monochrome version and near completion so changes can be applied if desired.

When doing a portrait painting, every stroke of the brush that I apply is done with the intent to capture not only the likeness but also a mood specific to the sitter's personality. It is by seeking qualities of presence, light and harmony in my works that I can best pay tribute to the person that I paint.

I usually start a portrait by doing a monochromatic (grisaille) under-painting to work out the composition, get the likeness, refine the drawing and get a strong tonal relationship. When this foundation is solid, I then apply my colors over the under painting in a wet on wet approach that allows the beauty of the paint to shine with all of its subtleties. This takes much longer than tracing contours and filling in the colors but the end result is more poetic and allows for a better emotional connection to the painting.

Portfolio

Trio	Annie	Ginette
Oil on canvas	Oil on canvas	Oil on canvas
24" x 18"	18" x 14"	14" x 18"