DOYLE CHAPPELL is a portrait artist who paints in a distinctively contemporary style, creating colorful works that are the antithesis of dull, ancestral-type portraits. From the beginning of his art studies at the University of Texas, Chappell prefered painting people to other subjects. His sensitive depictions reflect those intangible qualities that motivate and define each individual. Admirers of Chappells portraits have observed that his paintings seem to reflect a kind of inner spirit that expresses much more than the surface appearance. He finds all ages to have special beauty. Although he has created numerous oil portraits, he presently works mostly in acrylic on canvas as that medium most suites the spontanious and painterly brushwork and heavy build up of layers of colors, on top of colors. His works are valued by serious art collectors, and his portraits are included in many private collections. Some of his favorite paintings are of "just plain folks". Among the well known subjects Chappell has painted are Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Lyndon Johnson and wife of Virginia Senator Charles Robb, with her children; Senator and Mrs. Warren Magnuson; and actress Daryl Hannah.
PROCEDURE
Doyle Chappell paints almost exclusively from life, usually completing a portrait in three sittings (per subject), which occur in the subject's home or in the artists studio. The artist needs four or five hours for each sitting and always gauges the sitting to the subjects comfort.
At their first meeting artist, time is spent to get to know the client. Next, Mr. Chappell and the subject discuss clothes that best express their personality. The subject is encouraged to share a little about his or her interests. The artist's approach is relaxed and friendly. In this atmosphere, there is meaningful interaction with the subject, which gives Chappell a fuller perspective of the person he is painting. The subject settles into a natural, relaxed pose, and the painting is begun.
By the second sitting, the overall complexities of the painting begin to evolve, such as body movement and colors. The artist maintains an attitude of spontaneity, as his creative energy propels the painting's rapid development.
At the third meeting, the refinements toward a powerful likeness take shape. The subject shares excitement with the artist as the painting nears completion.
