The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Self-Taught Artist

  Capturing Childhood Joy : The Story Behind " Unica " and a Heartwarming Commission Art is more than just paint on a canvas; it's a vessel for emotions, memories, and deeply personal stories. In 2020, I had the privilege of creating a commission that perfectly embodied this concept: a painting titled "Unica." This piece, measuring 90x60cm and executed in oil over acrylic on a primed wood panel, captures a poignant moment of childhood joy and familial love. Today, I want to share the story behind "Unica," exploring the emotional depth and artistic process that brought it to life.   The Client's Vision : A Nostalgic Journey My client approached me with a beautiful and heartfelt idea: to immortalize a cherished memory of her childhood. She envisioned a painting that depicted herself as a young girl, sharing a special moment with her grandmother. During our initial conversations, which I always find enriching as they allow me to connect with my subjec...

  1. Layering and Texturing: I began by building up layers of paint to create depth and texture. This involved using both thick and thin applications of paint, sometimes incorporating different tools like palette knives or to achieve unique textures. 2.Blending with strong Gradation: For the background, I used a proprietary layering technique called 3D-X to create transitions between warm yellows, oranges, and hints of green. This involved gradually mixing colors on the canvas to create a harmonious and dynamic backdrop. 3. Bold Brushstrokes: The figure at the heart of the composition was rendered with bold and expressive brushstrokes. This technique allowed me to convey emotion and movement without focusing on precise details, capturing the essence of the subject with a realistic depiction. 4. Abstract Realism: By creating strong contouring of the visage and the figure and using abstract forms, I combined elements of realism with abstraction. This approach enables viewers to inter...

My Saatchi Gallery Experience: A Journey Through Contemporary Art with Konooz Last year, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, from disbelief to pure joy, as I participated in a collective exhibition at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London. It was a dream come true, a culmination of years of dedication to my art, and a significant milestone in my creative journey. This incredible opportunity was made possible by the esteemed Konooz Art Auction house, and I'm thrilled to finally share my experience with you all. The Road to Saatchi: A Story of Persistence As a contemporary artist working with acrylic and oil paints, putting your work out there can be daunting. The art world can feel competitive, and the path to recognition isn't always clear. I've faced my share of rejections and moments of self-doubt. But I've always believed in the power of my art and continued to create, driven by an inner passion that wouldn't be silenced. My journey to the Saatchi Gallery ...

  Arabic Version (Original) Beirut - Written By Mansour Al-Habr Jad Zeitouni's artistic achievements are characterized by the aesthetics of "confrontation", and by an artistic style that contains within it more than one expressive trend and more than one question. The artist approaches his painting with a sharp, spontaneous impulse, not preceded by preparation, at a calm pace. He begins without fear. He draws with color, and with color he erases what he draws tirelessly, from the beginning of the painting until it is completed. Jad Zeitouni takes continuous risks and does not hesitate to use the dangerous green color. If we look closely, we come across the composition of the painting, which in turn is subject to shifts and changes that distance us from the prevailing view that composition is a fixed element in the painting.  A risk, or rather, continuous sabotage at the level of color, and an enticement to a rich spectrum of colors without falling into vulgarity. This ill...

Website   The Unseen Brushstrokes: My Journey as a Self-Taught Artist The canvas holds more than just colors and forms; it reflects the journey of the artist, the struggles, the triumphs, and the quiet moments of self-discovery. As a self-taught artist in Lebanon, my path has been one of embracing the unknown, navigating uncharted territory, and finding my voice amidst the vibrant tapestry of the Lebanese art scene.   Challenges: A Tapestry of Doubts The absence of formal training often felt like venturing into a labyrinth without a map. The initial excitement was intertwined with a nagging sense of uncertainty. Where do I begin? What techniques should I master? Am I even on the right path?     Self-doubt became a constant companion, whispering insidious questions in the quiet of my studio. Was my work good enough? Did I have the "talent" that those with formal training seemed to possess effortlessly? The isolation of the self-taught path amplified these ...