Sketch for underpainting
 

Hello, all.

I have recently accepted my first military commission. I did the photo shoot last weekend and he chose a selection of photographs for me to work from. It was a combination of 4 different shots for stance, face, holding hat and wearing his medals.

I prepared some 'made up' Photoshop photos for him and he just found them confusing and couldn't make his mind up so we have decided to leave the decision for whether or not to include the medals until near completion. Because he is so well decorated, they simply look far too much, and we both agree that the portrait will probably look better without them.

This leaves 3 different photos to work from now, which is fine. I have prepared this quick watercolour sketch on the canvas to give him more of an idea of what his selections might look like as a painting. He hasn't got back to me yet but I would like your opinion on his choices, please.

Thanks,
Barbara

Medals
 

My vote would be to add the medals. They could be done in an impressionistic way so that they add, not to detract, from the face. I had a younger Marine pose for my "Korean Couple" (posted earlier) and even with fewer medals, I had to tone them down. But this is an important part of the man's accomplishments.

You might want to take a look at Meg Sargent's military page: http://www.sargentportraits.com/military.htm

Dear Cynthia and Jeanine,

Thank you for looking and responding.

Jeanine, I have approached my client with your suggestion about the medals. I am awaiting his go ahead on the design and he has not gotten back to me yet.

Barbara

Thanks for the update, Barbara!

Looking again at the study, I thought I'd mention the forward hand looks too light in value. Even if this is the way it looks in your photo source, I would suggest you paint it darker than the lights on the face.

I look forward to seeing how this portrait progresses.