Obscure Sorrow Painting

This painting/portrait was inspired by the work of Amedeo Modigliani. I have studied the work of Modigliani for years and never tire of the way in which he expressed the human figure and portrait. The painting always capturing a solemn expression of sorrow. The study of emotion in portraiture is what is being explored in Obscure Sorrow. The loneliness that we face as human beings even as we are among other people. The sorrow that we have endured from outside stimulus and often times what is happening to us within our own being. Nothing being more valuable in life than a smile or joy that comes when we are totally and completely alone. What makes it occur? A memory, nature, weather, a feeling? My hope is that the viewer will find beauty in the sadness. That they will get lost in the expression and that they will wonder or wander in their thoughts and imaginations. I chose to work in acrylic paints on wood to bring in a natural element to the work. The texture of the painting on wood is quite different than on canvas and I find the mediums to work well together.