Hassim

The lack of work appearing here is largely attributable to my dislike of using my temperamental scanner and the difficulties I always have when uploading photos from my digital camera. I paint or draw something, almost every week. The standard of that work varies tremendously!

My latest subject was brought about by a discussion at my art group, over a forthcoming Open Exhibition. Our teacher is encouraging us all to contribute a piece. I have chosen to paint "Hassim", taken from a photograph by my friend, Au fil de l'eau back in 2008, during an adventure in Morrocco. Hassim was one of the Berber guides who accompanied the group during a desert trek. I loved the photo immediately and recalled it when searching for inspiration. I began by doing a pencil sketch and I do feel that this captures more of the youth and brightness of the subject. However, I wanted to paint him, especially his turban. His skin tones and features presented their own problems...and then there were his teeth! Arghhhh, why did he have to have his mouth open?

Anyway, here he is for your apraisal. The sketch is pencil on cartridge paper. The painting is acrylic on canvas board.