Portrait of an elderly man 

This is James Jebusa Shannon's "Portrait of an Elderly Man," made with oil on canvas. The material qualities of oil paint lend themselves to expressive portraits such as this. Notice how the viscosity of the paint allows Shannon to create a range of textures and effects. Thick impasto strokes build the highlights on the man's face and beard, giving them a tactile quality, while thinner washes of color define the shadows and contours. Skilled application of the medium shows an understanding of the behavior and potential of the material, and the interplay of light and shadow gives the portrait a sense of depth and volume. Ultimately, Shannon's work challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the way the material and making process contribute to the meaning and impact of the artwork.