Jack 2009

Dave Macdowell made this portrait in the 20th century, probably using oil paint to build up layers of colour and form. I love the way the face emerges, a patchwork of pinks, purples, and fleshy tones. It’s almost as if Macdowell is sculpting the face with paint, each brushstroke a deliberate choice, a little like Auerbach’s head studies. I wonder what Macdowell was thinking as he built up this image, stroke by stroke? Did he start with the eyes, those piercing blues that grab your attention right away? Or maybe he began with the overall structure, mapping out the planes of the face before diving into the details. The way he models the light on the forehead and cheekbones is particularly interesting. Each dab and stroke of color creates a sense of depth and volume. And that little flicker of white in the corner of the eye? That's pure magic, bringing the whole face to life. Macdowell is part of a long line of painters who grapple with the human form, each finding new ways to capture its complexity and beauty.