Cigar Smoker, 12x16 inches oil on canvas panel by Kenney Mencher
Cigar Smoker, 12x16 inches oil on canvas panel by Kenney Mencher
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THIS IS AN ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
Cigar smoking is something I have a fascination with and apparently so do a lot of men. The Advocate ran a photoshoot and spread featuring photographer Dave Dudar. According to Dudar, "For some, the image of a cigar smoker represents the epitome of masculinity. So, in the hands of a gay man, a cigar upends a part of society's expectations for us, while for others, it fortifies it. And for this photographer, often a cigar is just a cigar. I've smoked with each of these guys [in this portfolio], and it's a pleasure to do so. And photographically, it's even more fun to shoot..."
This portrait of a cigar smoker was painted in the alla prima method. Alla prima, also called “wet-on-wet” and “direct painting,” is a very popular method of painting in which the artist applies paint to the canvas essentially in one sitting (“alla prima” is an Italian phrase that translates to “at once”). Usually this means that I even do the drawing with a brush in paint but in this instance, I did a quick sketch with a crayon to get the drawing and proportions correct.
Alla prima allows an overall command of the whole picture because everything is being painted ‘all at once’ in the same session. It calls for virtuoso handling of the material – a boldness that can bring out an inspired response.
The main focus of alla prima is edges: soft, blended ones contrasted with those sharply defined. However, being able to control these edges and the way the paint mixes require preparation of colors and a decisive handling of the material.
The composition of this painting is based on a principle called the “rule of thirds” in which the focus or emphasis of the painting is brought off center so it is a bit more interesting. In this painting you’ll see that the smoker’s head is in the upper left quarter of the image rather than dead center. I also thought that the asymmetrical quality of the composition made this painting have a better flow.
I’ve also introduced some non-local colors into this painting. The blues and grays, especially in the hair are colors one wouldn’t expect to find in those areas. This is a technique that the Impressionists used in their paintings quite a bit.
I’ve also attempted to use thick quick calligraphic brushwork to make the textures more engaging and descriptive. I use different textures and brushworks for the smoke, the hair and the drapery.
This is painted on a canvas panel. Why do I paint on canvas panel? Mainly for the durability. Canvas panels are made with a rigid core with canvas glued directly to the rigid base. Unlike stretched canvas, boards warp less and expands and contracts less. It’s sturdier to ship and will endure the heat and cold better so the paint will crack and chip less than a stretched canvas which flexes and changes as in different temperatures and environments.
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