Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Day 213



Vintage Mugshot #1, 4 x 4 inch oil on panel
© 2013 Kathleen Coy

I wanted to challenge myself with what I've been learning about skin tones over the last year by painting from a black and white photo. I found some really great vintage mugshots online, and am excited about painting a series. This one is from 1943. As you can see, she was arrested three times. I love the wild hair and defiant look of this gal. I wonder what her story is? 

11 comments:

  1. what a great idea for a series. Fantastic portrait, I love how you captured the expression.

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  2. The vacant stare is amazing. I would love to know her story...what led her to three mug shots...Great job on the painting.

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  3. Your skin tones are marvelous, very luminous.

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  4. Thanks, Cat and Maria!
    Maria, I know, right?? I wish we knew her story. She looks wild and rebellious and actually like she's enjoying herself a little in the first photo, but you can see a lot of stress in the second photo. Then the third photo brings back that "enjoyable" defiant look in her eyes... I bet she could tell some stories!!

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  5. Awesome job! I've been playing with mugshots lately, having a blast. Just finished a vintage one also, from 1967, but haven't posted it just yet. Love your mugshots.

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  6. When I saw your vintage mug on FB I knew I wanted to come here and look more. I'm glad you included her photos. She looks so young. I always wonder what brings a person to the point of committing a crime and with her, it is no exception. Maybe it is because it happened long ago, but I would like to know her story. You did such a good job in capturing her rebellious look. I'm looking forward to this series!

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  7. I just love this! I may have to try this sometime, too... this woman looks like she was trouble... such attitude.

    You have done such a beautiful job and captured her attitude. I just love it!

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  8. Looks like you nailed the skin tones. Glad these are old mug shots - could she come after you for not getting permission or are they for public use? It is a great idea and I would like to use them in class

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    1. Thanks so much, Julie! Karin Jurick said at her workshop that mugshots were public domain, so I'm sure it applies to the vintage ones, too. :-)

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  9. Thanks, all for your comments! The buffer of time must add to the mystique, because these old mugshot photos are fascinating to me.

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