Oil Painting of Fencing Legend- Jim Campoli

"Jim Campoli" by Princess Simpson Rashid
8 x 10", Oil Painting, c. 2010
SOLD- Commissioned

I was approached by a fencer last year about the prospect of executing a portrait painting of a local fencing legend and coach Jim Campoli.  The painting would honor the life of service his coach has dedicated to building the sport of fencing in the state of Florida and his influence on the sport overall.

If you would like to commission a painting of an important fencer in your life, please contact me. Thanks!- prashid@theswordandbrush.com

Steps to Portrait Of A Local Fencing Legend

I recently completed an important commission of a local fencing legend, Jim Campoli.  I thought I'd share with you the steps taken to develop the painting.

Source photo taken by Stewart McVickers II.

 I usually prefer to work from life when executing a portrait, but this painting was to be given as a surprise gift to Mr. Campoli. So, I had to work from photographs provided by the client. Out of four choices, the client and I chose the photo above to be source for the final composition.

Step 1- Line Drawing

Step 2-  I start blocking in the face, jacket and background color.

Step 3- I work on the background and start on the form of the fencing mask.

Step 4. Starting to work on the saber here.

Step 5. Final version of oil portrait.