Skills | Keerthana Duddu

As a life long artist, I knew I wanted to improve my technical skills first and foremost. Because I am a self taught artist, and did not have formal training, I have taken it upon myself to learn from the masters. Through researching, painting and repainting classical paintings, and observing pieces throughout art history, I have been able to build up my technique. I strongly believe that mastering various artist techniques is vital to improving as an artist. Regardless of what kind of art one wants to specialize in, understanding the basics in portraiture is necessary. The following are a few of my recent portraits. Some were created with acrylic, and some with oil. I practiced a variety of styles, from impressionism to hyperrealism.

Acrylic on Canvas Panel

I love painting people who are special to me. I painted this picture of my two best friends after the three of us had gotten brunch together. I focused on the details of this painting, and wanted to include as much of the background as possible. I wanted to capture the energy and aesthetics of the morning with as much care as possible.

Oil on Canvas

The very first time I had been invited to feature my art at a local coffee shop, my two college roommates and our close friend were ecstatic to see my work in person. We went to the coffee shop one day, and I painted the three of them sitting under the shelves that featured work I had so much pride in making.

Acrylic on Canvas

I found an old picture of me and my dad from one of his birthdays. I was not older than 4 in the photo. The image was so sweet, I knew I had to immediately paint this scene of us blowing out the candles on his birthday cake.

Acrylic on Canvas

A simple portrait practice.

Acrylic on Canvas

A detailed portrait practice.
Note: The reference image used is not my own. This painting was done solely for practice purposes, and will not be sold under any circumstances.

Acrylic on Canvas

I wanted to practice impressionism, after studying the masters such as Monet and Degas. I found a photo of me and my college roommate, the night after I had graduated college. We celebrated this milestone by roasting marshmallows on the heart of campus. I wanted to capture the light hearted, fun, whimsical feeling that had engulfed us in this moment.

Charcoal on Mixed Media Paper

Portrait Practice.
Note: The reference image used is not my own. This painting was done solely for practice purposes, and will not be sold under any circumstances.

Charcoal on Mixed Media Paper

Portrait Practice.
Note: The reference image used is not my own. This painting was done solely for practice purposes, and will not be sold under any circumstances.