Well Sharon, corsets are not in my wardrobe, but I have a few friends who would love them. :)

Michele: I have a webpage for the first one already up. We have just signed the contract, and done the initial photography. I am going back this evening to reshoot the gentleman's head. The webpage is www.fineportraitsinoil.com/kennedy.htm. I put this up so the client can follow along as I work.

The other portrait is a portrait of a lady who wants to be portrayed as a victorian lady. She has had a dress custom made in the edwardian style of green satin and plans to have all of the props - from the bag to the feather fan to the dance card. I am going to paint her at the bottom of a grand staircase. The painting will be 40x60 inches. I am scared of it at the moment.... :)

Thanks for the info, Michael, and for the link to your site. Do you add updates to the web page as the work for your client progresses?

The painting of the lady on the stairs with all her props and costumes sounds magnificent, and intimidating. I can imagine how you must feel!

Seeing the photos of what's on your easel reminded me that I want to start a section on SOG like Cennini's "What's on the Easel" for each month. It would be great to see what everyone is up to.

Michael,

You're a good sport. It takes courage for most men to step into a lingeree department.

You'll do just fine, I'm sure, with your next commission. May I suggest you get a hold of the only book available on William MacGregor Paxton. I got mine at my local library, there was only one in the entire state. If you have an all state library system similiar to ours you may be able to locate one. There is one available, I believe on Alibris, but it is quite pricey, as this beautiful book is no longer in print.

The reason I am suggesting this is he did a similiar painting. He had a 90's dress made and did a painting of it. It was interestingly enough, green satin. It might be worth a look.

I hope this helps.

Michele: Yes, I will post updates to the page as I proceed. The page is really meant fo the client to see it and for them to get their friends and family to go to the site and view it as well. It actually works as a nice bit of advertising for me as others come and see and maybe, just maybe, want one for themselves. :)

BTW: Went this evening and got a better shot of his face that I will be posting in the next few days.

Sharon: Will look for the book on Paxton. - sounds interesting. I am going to be thinking "Sargeant" and "Reynolds" when I do that particular work. It might serve me to think "Paxton" too.