Elisabeth von Atzingen

Elisabeth von Atzingen

I have been painting the human figure in different art schools for a long time. For the past few years, my main interest is to draw and paint portraits. I primarily use live models, going to different art centers that offer open studios with live models in Venice and Sarasota. I started using acrylics, but now I use mostly charcoal and oils.

I do not want to be too realistic in my work, too lost in the details. Depending on the model, my portrait will be more expressionistic, focusing more on some features that I find interesting. Other times, my portrait will be “impressionistic”, revealing more of a feeling, an emotion. My brush stroke might be bolder with more vivid colors. Sometimes, the colors will be more muted and my brushstroke softer. I love this constant challenge of using different approaches in order to capture the mystery, the essence of a person. I also love using charcoal for its immediacy and for the boldness and power that charcoal can provide through its lines and strong values.