A ROYAL COMMISSION: the making of the new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II

" BEST DOCUMENTARY" Canada International Film Festival 2013, Vancouver, BC.
The making of the new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee.
www.canadafilmf...
Join us on FACEBOOK: / queenelizabethiinewpor...
RESUME: Renowned portrait painter Phil Richards invite us in his studio to discover how he creates the new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee. With commentaries of the artist about his art form and his personal meeting with the Queen.
(Visiteurs francophones: désolée, ce film est en version originale anglaise seulement)
A Royal Commission, Documentary, 20 m (2013)
A film by Ninon Larochelle
©All rights Reserved/Tous droits réservés Productions Ninon Larochelle inc.
Images and editing Jacob Larochelle
Original music Julie Desmarais
www.productionsninonlarochelle.ca
[e-mail]

[@banksy8699]

KZbin decided to recommend this 7 years later.

[@artcainogrady]

same for me!

[@mateuspreis]

Me too

[@1P0T]

? so what? What the fuck is wrong with you guys.

[@sunck2262]

Longdays609 ? 😂 he was just saying it was weird that it was recommended so long after it was created

[@twilightfogh]

KZbin went weird, and i love this weirdness

[@bryancohen5121]

“Flesh is transparent” ...that’s a good way to think about painting the figure.....to get this level of accuracy with acrylics, my hat is off to you! Well done!

[@sensen4161]

All of this done whith acrylics. For those who don't know, acrylics are plastic based, which makes the paint dry really fast, making it hard to blend. Usually, acrylics are used for abstract paintings and realistic portraiture are often made with oils because they take a long time to dry and are very blendable. The skill and patience, years of practice and discipline,, i admire as an aspiring artist. 🥺

[@ThoughtPumpkin0]

sen Squirmle check out some of james jeans acrylic paintings. I think he uses some retardant and other supplements to let the paint dry longer, but it looks like an oil painting.

[@entropyofallcreation]

🥺

[@wanderingangelstudio1359]

Extenders can be added to acrylics to keep them from drying so quickly.

[@sworddude87]

Plenty of portraiture artists use acrylic, its cheaper and allows you to produce more efficiently. But yes his skill is admirable and of the gods such as J.W. Jeong.

[@BakerImageGroup]

In the right hands, acrylic can blend nicely. One example is the artist "Crayola" kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHOVaKx3o72VbJY

[@drtsprt]

Mastery, for sure. But not once did he “beat the devil out of it.”

[@ophello]

VIBRATTI this isn’t oil painting.

[@GeronimouxIII]

@@ophello but the devil is still there

[@mcdanzy8379]

@@ophello the devil is still there tho...

[@drtsprt]

@@ophello It was a joke, Buzz Killington. I realize that the painting is done in acrylics. Thanks for stopping by though.

[@HUGEPoWERFULMooN]

@@drtsprt bob ross wasnt a master though

[@cjsilva1540]

When I heard “acrylic” I lost it THATS AMAZING

[@robetmenenunyg3667]

THIS IS ACRYLIC WOOOOOOW HOLY COW

[@KokomaruTV]

Who is here during the quarantine ?

[@hannelerantanen760]

I am

[@roka0012]

Me

[@covfefeqt2864]

KokomaruTV :) me2

[@harryeling9808]

KokomaruTV everyone got recommended this just now lol

[@MidnightKoyumi]

Me

[@rosered103]

So I checked out Phil Richards. And Holy Cow! this portrait was turned into a stamp. How many Canadians can say that. What breathtaking work Mr Richards does. Hats off to him.

[@NegativeAccelerate]

I’m sorry but if I had this guy’s skill I would not be able to remain as humble as him. I’d be showing off my skills to everyone I know, even if they’re not interested

[@imagine_big9398]

When you get to a certain point in your skill, you naturally get more humble. Instead of being the student proudly showing your painting, you are the teacher, telling them how proud you are of their accomplishment, even though you know you can do better. Be humble and people will notice that and appreciate it. Be a good person :)

[@trapzbeast6937]

maybe he was like what u imagined at the beginning of his skill, but he is in the another level, he already pass it

[@wanderingsoul6152]

What a nice and peaceful soul...

[@haroldcervantes454]

@@imagine_big9398 true

[@89706]

I think you naturally become humble over time once youve mastered a certain skill is normal for us to toot our own horn when we lack knowledge in the skill but once we begin to see more of our flaws into our own crafts we realize we aren’t that good and in turn humble ourselves

[@oilonpaper]

As a portrait artist (non-professional), I appreciate what he said at the very end about how there's still life in the art of portrait painting and that it can do things that photography cannot. ❤️

[@なみ_13]

As an amateur artist and procrastinator,seeing the process of getting a concept for the commission got me saying it's tiresome already 😂 pressure would get me good on this situation. Hats off to you

[@imagine_big9398]

I mean... If the queen asked you to paint her, i feel like you would go beyond what you do now. He wanted to make sure it was perfect. (Im the same as you)

[@Jules_Pew]

It's quite fun making a scene to get the lighting correct; it does take a lot of the guess work out.

[@Wakeupgrandowl]

I know, I looked at his process, everything from the models to the grid and hung my head in shame, for I have never taken a single work I've created or project I've done this seriously. Hence my stagnation, I suppose.

[@kayaeki]

Same haha

[@TheCursedCat1927]

@@Jules_Pew Tbh, from what he was saying, I think he did visit them once, so he did know how the Lighting is (he said he didn't visit "more").

[@quartercrow3464]

7 years ago this guy was just breaking the limits of ultra instinct. Imagine where he is now. His skills are so fine tuned he probably whispers the paint onto the canvas.

[@markahearn1]

What a great composition with her great grandmother in the background and all.

[@DiabolicalAngel]

oh wow I didn't even notice that detail

[@vgiannakos]

The flesh is transparent. My hand followed the mind, then it was like I observed the hand painting! True Master, speaking words that only someone who has gone deeply into fine art can comprehend!

[@gloriapinskerportraits4801]

The artist looks just like Robert Carlyle, the actor who plays Rumpelstiltskin/Mr. Gold on Once Upon a Time (as Mr. Gold, of course)!

[@brendawillems4804]

Gloria Pinsker Portraits Yes!!! 👍😂

[@thegreats.t.g5063]

Robert is a freakin ' good actor

[@AkAsCoTTii3]

Personally think he looks more like William Fichtner!

[@Knutekritt]

first time I saw what this artist looks like....have admired his work for a while now....I see a resemblance to those actors you mentioned....and he looked so familiar to me...but then as I listened and watched his facial expressions, which say a lot, it dawned on me of a sudden, a pure peace....a froze frame and walked through some frames trying to figure it out and then he talked about experiencing peak experience (Mihally ZitsenMihaly spelling) and I was thinking he would be my model choice for eyes, especially and face of Jesus Christ....in that moment in that frame, i saw that....the actors seem a little shallow in expression in comparison....I learned a great deal watching this....fabulous!!

[@lauraswan8647]

LOL, Yes!😁

[@dimatadore]

As a painter myself I could never accept such a commission. I would be far too anxious.

[@StudlyFudd13]

Well I think 40 years as a professional artist really helped him along, although I'm sure he was still nerve wracked haha.

[@Nicolas-of6li]

if you were to fail they'd just not accept it and ask some other artist

[@fintan3563]

He is using acrylic paint and not oil. I am fascinated with the layering of solid color as opposed to the mixing of shades as in oil painting.

[@zts99]

Glazing is the technique

[@gigijohnson3211]

This was a great video, showcasing an extremely talented artist. I would also like to have heard more on his colors and processes. Congratulations in your successful commission and the prize you painted, you should be the one to take a bow.

[@AngelaHendricksArtIsLife]

The amount of planning the artist has done for this painting is incredibly thoughtful and well done. The level of control that Phil has over acrylic paint is astounding.

[@jeffhreid]

The painting is very well done. The technique is interesting, no toned canvas, painted directly rather than an under painting. Congratulations to the artist

[@bmp2791]

It's because he's using acrylics, if he painted layer of green or blue it would give it a texture he probably wouldnt like. He also seems to be mimicking varnished flat oil painting texture so he needs as thin layer as possible with acrylics

[@Wakeupgrandowl]

@@bmp2791 Interesting, didn't know this. I am not much fo a painter anyway (prefer drawing) but when I was studying as a student we used acrylics and they taught us to under-paint for the skin. In college they didn't press the blue or green layer for the skin so much, but always to give the canvas a wash of colour... I guess in the end the only process that matters is the one that gives you the desired result.

[@bmp2791]

@@Wakeupgrandowl green or blue underlayer serves in portraits as an undertone for complexion so you wont get fake looking pink, yellow or brown face. The "overly flat texture" technique is not really popular now so you probably were taught more thick and textural technique, art has trends too. Either way it is good to use some coloured underlayer, though cold colours will bring out the shadows nicely and reds can be very hard to cover because of intense pigmentation. Of course not much matters as long as you get the results but some rules can sure quicken and improve the process :) either way good luck on your art career :)

[@bmp2791]

@Andrew Pingwin why? People have cold toned shadows on their faces. A verdaccio was used back in renaissance.

[@StudlyFudd13]

@Andrew Pingwin Any undertone can work, ti all depends on the lighting that you are going for. A pale blue light would be great from a blueish toned paper. Obviously if your light and other elements are going to be a red or yellow lighting them you wouldn't do blue or green.

[@quritannn8989]

Oh... KZbin finally recommend me this old and gold video.

[@ninonsky1]

Thank you very much, happy that you've liked it :-)

[@bojack40]

One aspect of the portrait that I like is that the artist is not trying so hard to ensure it isn’t a vanity portrait as many old paintings were. I’ve seen the Queen c,ode up and so many portraits try so hard not to fall into that trap hat they make her uglier, bigger nose, more wrinkly, etc. she truly glows in real life. I think it’s the healthy active life she has always led.

[@LS-ti1rz]

No! It's because she's a lizard!

[@dimatadore]

This is incredible especially considering it’s done in acrylics. And I agree, portraiture paintings bring a unique touch to representation. Nothing compares to paintings, there’s a lot of soul and human filtering that goes into a painting.

[@mattismlkristensen3464]

Didn't know Tony Hawk was painting portraits! Must admit, he's pretty good!

[@xxwaspxx5]

This guy, he is projecting some good wholsome enery and let me tell you he made my day...

[@jeffhreid]

Interesting that you didn’t get a sitting considering is was an official commission

[@michellec9300]

jeffhreid they talked about why in the video

[@MacArthurPiper]

Good point, even Rolf Harris had a sitting with her when he did her portrait. I'm just wondering if the medium had anything to do with it, meaning didn't take it seriously enough like all the other portraits done in oil.

[@RB-747]

@@MacArthurPiper The main point was that the painting was done in Canada whilst the Queen was in the UK so the painter would have had to make the journey and would not have been able to do so multiple times as he would've liked.

[@dollimelaine]

@@RB-747 he did make the journey from what i gathered. he showed her the small paintings and the sculpture and he said they were on the same page.

[@Hope-si1kb]

He's there with her at 16:16. An actual sitting for the painting would take forever and the way he did it just makes it easier for everyone

[@Sky.Lukewalker]

I'm glad the comments are staying on topic, that this was a painting done with masterful skill, and not that the queen is a lizard person.

[@covfefeqt2864]

Atari2600Stormtrooper LOL! LOL! Why, is she a lizard or reptile or whatever?

[@Sky.Lukewalker]

@@covfefeqt2864 there's a long running conspiracy of many generations of the reptilian shapeshifters leading and ruling the world cloaked as humans. There's many interesting KZbin vids where people's eyes give them away. There pupils become slender and elongated. Celebrities as well. Check them out if you're amused by wonderfully strange theories, as I am!

[@covfefeqt2864]

Atari2600Stormtrooper yes I agree I’ve watched all this stuff also. Actually it makes the Bible make a lot more sense doesn’t it. Especially when it comes to Satan in the garden of Eden.

[@nonares]

makes sense

[@LS-ti1rz]

The Queen is a lizard!

[@grappo77]

Omg! thats an ten million pound painting straight up! i paint acrylics myself, and the level of dedication and patience is mindblowing. truly a modern masterpiece!

[@jeffhreid]

Enjoyed the thoughtful commentary of the artist as well.

[@RoseSharon7777]

The fact that he captured both the Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria together is quite impressive. Its a beautiful portrait of both. The symbolism is right there. I'm sure she loved it.

[@DiabolicalAngel]

Incredible work- you made her appear taller than she is, which is about in line with portraits of earlier monarchs. Likeness is for sure there but so is idealism.

[@callummoodley6311]

Just finished the portrait artist of the year series, so glad that KZbin has now recommended this gem to me

[@rosered103]

Stunning work, thank you. We can see how pleased the Queen was with your work. You must be so proud.

[@MayimHastings]

What a gentle, humble soul! Could watch this guy paint forever. Some special artists can capture a subjects soul and likeness more so than a photograph - Richard is one of those special people.

[@TheCdrey]

I dont know why but I started crying like a baby right al the last shot of the portrait. Really amazing work

[@3213-d4o]

What he said at the end is really true, not many people want paintings anymore due to photography/the digital medium.

[@StudlyFudd13]

I've been trying to learn portraits and this fact has really discouraged me to continue. It's much better financially to continue doing what's wanted and what's in demand than what is going out of date. It's sad really.

[@StephenwBennett]

I would not want to have to paint the texture of her dress. Beautiful job. We are not dying brother! Thank you. Bless you

[@italianguy847]

Let’s all be real you didn’t search for this

[@StudlyFudd13]

Nope, but I'm glad I found it :)

[@GOOSEFOREST]

It came up under the recommendations titled "art"

[@ilpezkato]

Lucian Freud brought me here

[@jackwhite3934]

The Queen : ahhhh, my 5000000 millionth portrit is going along nicely.

[@GOOSEFOREST]

This made me overwhelmingly emotional. I'm so happy for him and respect his talent so much. This also made me realize and see to what level you can get with practice, dedication, and experience. I'll probably never get to this kind of point in my future art career, but this made me motivated to try even harder and dedicate myself to my practice. Tears of happiness were detected.

[@maram2806]

This made me tear up . I always felt sad because this kind of amazing art is not popular anymore even though it’s amazing

[@lovelandfrog5692]

What a humble, skilled man. Hats off to you and your talent, sir!

[@samuelhopely4853]

The expression on her face could not have been more perfect.

[@AliceHasenkohl]

it really is!

[@Fineartvalentin]

This is magic ! What a portrait!, Fantastic, fantastic!

[@medovaca]

Are you ok?

[@bishnupriyamandal9547]

I am astounded by your skill and your mastery... Such a beautiful portrait.

[@hobbybugs1286]

I love the portrait I actually got to view it a number of years back

[@nicksiha]

Vancouverite watching this in 2020. This was rad. Thanks for making and sharing.

[@adrielrocha9799]

the fact he replicate the light situation just to be as more accurate as possible its amazing

[@KeenyNewton]

The prep was impresive..

[@TheNotoriousNemo]

Good job, this painting is 10/10 for me

[@PraxisVisuals]

This guy totally reminds me of my Visual Arts teacher. Totally lovable and fun to watch! Honestly worth the click! P.S. I LOVE HIS LITTLE HOLSTER FOR HIS PAINTS

[@Likes_Trains]

Incredible work, and what a humble man. Really wonderful to see, thanks for making this video :)

[@leisongivangomo5656]

Beautiful work! 👏👏👏

[@t2h405]

7:50 THE DUDE PAINTED THE ACT ON A ANGLE I MEAN???? WTH TALENT

[@vanniekerkjohannes5568]

Brilliant! 💕👌

[@jazzlehazzle]

PERFECTLY said! Bravo Phil Richards!!! A++++++

[@3y3sign]

I normally don't like watching people talk a lot, but him .. it isn't so bad .. I actually enjoy him talking about his work.. he seems to dig deep ...

[@Actionfiguresarefun]

Absolutely stunning.

[@kylewalker9062]

Amazing work! Traditional painting and portraiture is repressed in today’s art society because it is argued that digital media has replaced the need for ultra-realistic art solely for the sake of observation. So 21st century art pushes towards individualism and abstracted modernism as REAL art. Seems like every art piece today must have some deep story behind it, and be quite difficult to view, rather than simply being observed as art for art’s sake. In my opinion, one cannot move on to their individual style until they have a strong understanding of the traditional principles.

[@carleena]

That's what they teach us in school, but go off

[@Stephanie-xz7qd]

That's not really true

[@jeffwads]

That was an amazing painting.

[@godzooke]

He is an incredible artist. Wow!

[@leyawonder2306]

I'm so glad KZbin recommended this

[@davidskaar3232]

Very special and informative

[@MaryelPilongo]

Quarantine brings me to places

[@strawberrymode]

the transparent flesh effect in 3d is called subsurface scattering. I've been studying it for a bit and it's so much fun!

[@annabellenonimous1302]

Why does the portrait look more like Queen Elizabeth than Queen Elizabeth?

[@mr.birdie1406]

12:01 this man has seen the see through world... Hats off to you great swordsman

[@cynrickcustodio7609]

the moment he began to read what was on the paper, I was speechless.

[@harryeling9808]

WHY IS THIS SO UNDER RATED I DONT UNDERSTAND

[@heycoco1]

Simply Brilliant God bless you Both ...

[@andreyromashchenko8967]

So get this, he WILL notice a tiny mistake in that portrait and he WILL start thinking about secretly getting in and quietly fixing the mistake. He will never get rid of that itch.

[@StudlyFudd13]

He's been in the business for 40 years, pretty sure he's got a handle on accepting what he might consider to be a mistake lol. Though that is a funny image.

[@hannelerantanen760]

Fantastic work

[@llIIIIlllIIIllI]

incredible.

[@popcult]

What a great artist and patriot!

[@almightyelement3484]

He looks a little like Robert Carlyle. (which I know from Once Upon A Time). Aside from that. It is so pleasant to see this passionate man paint. It's really soothing.

[@artenimccabe4354]

Amazing

[@JoaoMatrix]

The guy cleans his brushes with his heart, what more can i say ?

[@calipsous]

Crazy responsibility! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MirrorDomains]

Great insights!

[@justyna_rudzinska]

This is so sad he didn't get the sitting... and it was official commission! So sad. But he managed to do it very well. I admire him for not losing his great attitude.

[@LS-ti1rz]

She probably can't sit for a painting because she would eventually lose control and not be able to hold her human form for so long under such close scrutiny. She'd would have shape shifted right in front of his eyes!.

[@greg1mcintosh844]

Loved Her

[@artistforrealart]

Great!..Thank you!

[@romelbryanacmad7445]

in acrylics?? its just WOW!!!

[@cecilestevesfreire9500]

This is so cool 🥺

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

Great work!

[@artia25254]

He used acrylic... Amazing.

[@Ramesh_009]

Very nice work

[@TheCatMurgatroyd]

amazing to see a professional artist paint, especially as someone who is on level 2 of 1000 when it comes to painting :P

[@yoshiktheartist8522]

Damn.. didn't know Tony Hawk was this talented. Truly amazing.

[@Mr1958louief]

Exquisite!

[@jose-gr7jg]

Why wouldnt they just sent you a picture of her

[@mariacleofeipacuribot1090]

Um... What do you mean?? There is literally pictures of the Queen for his reference?

[@jose-gr7jg]

@@mariacleofeipacuribot1090 he had to literally make an esculture of the Queen in order to take the picture

[@nubep9049]

@@jose-gr7jg It's not the same having a photo of your reference as having the subject right in front of you. With those sculptures he is able to choose the right lightning, the right angle and much more.

[@jose-gr7jg]

@@nubep9049 aaaah ok, he has to consider every detail

[@MellowWind]

I wish he would have spoken more about his materials.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

He paints in acrylics and sometimes mixed media.

[@done488]

What?!... acrylics! Pfui!... not realy professional

[@ARedMagicMarker]

@@alangeorgebarstow LOL, all was well until he found out about the acrylics. X'D

[@JazzieHERO]

Not sure what the hate on acrylic is. The blending and softness he achieved with acrylic is phenomenal.

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

@Krešimir Pleić Yes, you'd be surprised at how many "famous" professional painters use acrylics. Nothing wrong with it.

[@jaspirita]

This is such a cool video

[@discomonkie]

man the pressure

[@papaspaulding]

There are so many modern day masters out there who use acrylic as their paint medium of choice. Acrylics allow for more traditional oil techniques and glazing methods used to create hyper realism minus the slow drying times of oils and the principles of fat over lean. Many great paintings out there people often just wrongly presume they were painted in oils which leads to peoples surprise when they see pieces like this painted in acrylics. Both have their pros and cons. Personally I like to paint in alla prima (wet into wet blending) so i favour oils but do Enjoy acrylics at times as whilst they take more planning you can do things with them you cannot with oil and visa versa

[@oliverggwill5547]

! Tris artist is very sweet, no importa lo que pinte es un amor , cariños desde chile , me enamoré!,,,!!🇨🇱

[@oliverggwill5547]

Ha! Soy Patricia , sí me encantó , sería feliz su amiga o lo que sea , es bello , y noble se nota , yo pinto pero no tendría esa paciencia . Abrazos para tí.

[@StephenwBennett]

Master!

[@leahflores9051]

Looks like rumple from once upon a time

[@sacreddatura1399]

I’m amazed that this wasn’t done with oil paints