Studio Paintings

Sometimes, when I don't like a pose, I'll paint fellow artists painting the model. Here the studio is not a class. There is no instruction...just fellow artists sharing the cost of a model. Click on this painting to view other studio work. Please leave your comments, questions, etc. below. (More artwork, by theme, will be posted soon.)

Pencil Sketchbook

Here are some pencil sketches that I thought would be of interest. Although a few, due to delicate line, were difficult to digitize, I still felt them important to post. By clicking on the above portrait, you'll find examples of contour, gesture, value, volume, etc. ...traditional exercises practiced by many artists. Feel free to add your comments or questions.

Portrait paintings

When a model has an interesting expression, I may paint a portrait. Over the past 25 years, I’ve done many contemporary portraits, often of the same model. Click on this portrait and you’ll find some models who have aged in paint. Please leave your comments, questions, etc. below. (More artwork, by theme, will be posted soon.)

Pen, Ink & Wash

There are times when I will work with ink...these paintings are fast, intuitive and utilize a wet in wet technique. Click on this painting to view other Pen, Ink & Wash. Please leave your comments, questions, etc. below. (More artwork, by theme, will be posted soon.)

Figurative Paintings

If the model takes a pose with attitude I’ll concentrate on body language. It’s not easy finding an interesting pose that’s natural without being self conscious. These paintings are done live...never from photographs. Click on this painting to view other figurative work. Please leave your comments, questions, etc. below. (More artwork, by theme, will be posted soon.)

Summer Strings

"Summer Strings" • 9" x 12" unframed • acrylic on Bristol
© 2005 C.Berk
Today's painting...an alla prima acrylic on Bristol.
I cropped this grouping from an entire orchestra because of the intensity of these guys warming-up. Some bold colors with loose brushwork are used, in hope of enhancing kinetic energy that anticipates the evening's performance.

Painting Demonstration

Retro Bar NYC • acrylic on bristol • 14" x 17" unframed • ©2006 C.Berk
Okay, here's an online attempt to demonstrate how I paint by using the Direct Massing in Technique. By clicking on this painting, you will be taken to a (simplistic) six step process. Please leave any comment or questions below.