"Mike" Acrylic on canvas. 20 x 30 inches. Painted 2008 by Matt Cauley

The Big Heads portrait series focuses on capturing a moment in time for any particular subject. As I work with the model, I want them to feel as if they are in mid-conversation with me, but have become momentarily distracted by something *just* out of the corner of their eye. The more their focus shifts to some random spot on the wall, the more their imagination then takes over. A relaxed concentration takes over, and their face conveys an appearance of daydream wonder. It is this moment I try to capture on canvas.

The settings are sparse, with the face conveying the bulk of the story. In the end, I hope the viewer brings their own interpretation to each painting, creating a new and unique story each time the work is viewed.

Mike was a model I had worked with at the School of Visual Arts while taking John Parks’ Portraiture class. It was another lighting experiment, and while I had initially brushed in the jacket, it proved to be too hot for the poor guy. He ended up having to go shirtless for the rest of the sessions, and even then he was sweating buckets. I really felt bad for the guy, but he was a complete professional with his dedication to the pose.

Mike
Acrylic on canvas,
20 x 30 inches,
Painted 2008 by Matt Cauley

"Mike (Underpainting)" Acrylic on canvas. 20 x 30 inches. Painted 2008 by Matt Cauley
Mike (Underpainting)


WANT TO RECEIVE THE LATEST IRON-COW PROD. UPDATES?

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, paintings, customs, and more! Rest assured, all three are spam-free and pure fun.

  Subscription Service         Instructions
   
email Iron CowE-Mail Newsletter
This e-mail digest is the primary form of updates on IRON-COW PRODUCTIONS and the online portfolio of MATT CAULEY. You will receive at most one email a day, whenever the site is updated.
 

  

  1. Simply enter your email address in the box above
    and click on the "subscribe" button.
  2. You will receive a confirmation email.
  3. Click on the confirmation link in the email and you're all set!
   
Iron Cow Productions FacebookFacebook
The IRON-COW PROD. Facebook Fan page is a bit more informal than the e-mail newsletter. In addition to the latest site news and updates, enjoy sneak-peeks at upcoming projects, announcements about Iron-Cow's art exhibitions, and more.
 
  1. Visit the Iron-Cow Prod. Fan Page on Facebook.
  2. Click the "Become a Fan" button.
   
Follow Iron Cow on TwitterTwitter
Admittedly, this is the least-used form of ICP updates, though since everyone else has a Twitter page, I may as well too, right? Become one of the herd!
 
  1. Visit the @mattcauley page on Twitter.
  2. Click the "Follow" button.