Portrait painting is a genre in painting, where the intent is to depict a human subject. The term ‘portrait painting’ can also describe the actual painted portrait. Portraitists may create their work by commission, for public and private persons, or they may be inspired by admiration or affection for the subject, the latter is what usually inspires our artist in question, Nepalese born and bred, NB Gurung.
Although the majority of NB’s paintings are of stunning Himalayan landscapes, religious temples and breathtaking Nepali cityscapes, he occasionally paints portraits of human influences that catch his eye on his travels throughout Nepal and beyond.
In portrait painting it is all about putting the right colour on the right place. As simple as that. And I’ve spent my entire artistic career with the question “What is the right colour and where is the right place?”
Major problems should be divided into smaller ones. Also in portrait painting. Like the composition, the drawing, the colour contrast, the ciaroscuro, the likeness. All these topics should be solved individually. So I was convinced of the importance of coming up with a reliable approach to portrait painting. Each artist has his own method, either self invented or handed by teachers. As a painter I am selfmade. Over the years I gathered information from wherever I could. I found my way of working, allthough I keep changing now and then.
I think you’ll agree that these stunningly crafted portraits by NB are just another reason to admire his unwavering talent.
And finally our absolute favourite portrait of his, ‘Smoking’ which we recently sold the original of. There are still Giclee prints available through this website, however.
Watch the video to find out more about NB Gurung here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7up9Ke4u5Ek