Alfred Shuttleworth 1904

Here's what I would say about William Logsdail's painting of Alfred Shuttleworth. I see in this painting a portrait rendered in oil with a reserved palette of browns, blacks, and subtle flesh tones. The brushwork is smooth, almost concealing itself, focusing more on the likeness of the sitter than the act of painting itself. Look at the way the light catches the right side of his face, and how Logsdail uses these soft contrasts to suggest a three-dimensional form. He has employed delicate glazes and subtle blending to convey the texture of skin and fabric. Notice how his beard is painted, these soft, feathery strokes are a study in observation. Logsdail clearly admired people like John Singer Sargent, who could balance accuracy with artistic expression. Like Sargent, Logsdail leaves plenty of room for interpretation and personal connection. And that’s the fun of looking at art, isn’t it?