David Shepherd

Just Say No (Please Say Yes), Oil Painting

2018

Artist Comments
In this hyperrealistic painting, David pushes our emotions and ideas of cultural acceptance. The subject smiles broadly with a crucifix hanging from her mouth while being doused with honey. The artwork addresses issues of power, sex and religion. David explains that the title, "Just Say No (Please Say Yes)," references the model's initial reticence about being covered with honey for the photoshoot. "At first she was turned off by the honey, but after she felt its warm texture covering her face, slowly she started to enjoy it."

About the Artist
Canadian artist David Shepherd fuses techniques from both old and modern masters to create contemporary interpretations of the human form. While offering strong nods to pop art and cubism, the work remains grounded by David’s training in 19th Century academic realism. Combining discrete techniques within a single tableau is initially jarring to the viewer, creating an unexpected visual complexity in the work and demonstrating the artist’s breadth of skills. “I think in the future we will be much more interested in works of art that show a mastery of multiple styles,” says David. Each artwork effectually suggests the surreal nature of human existence within a convoluted modern society.

Words that describe this painting: honey, portrait, contemporary, sex, explicit, woman, hyperrealism, pop, nudes, realism, representational, contemporary, oil painting, orange

Just Say No (Please Say Yes)
David Shepherd
Oil painting on stretched canvas
Painting wraps around edges
Varnished and Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front
2018
50 in. h x 36 in. w x 1.5 in. d
15 lbs. 0 oz.