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Alexandra, you've explained this beautifully. Thank you for starting this thread! I know there is probably more to be said about this as far as technique and interpretation and I am looking forward to hearing others.
My question has always been what colors to use for the background in a more formal portrait. I know that one should have it planned from the beginning because the flesh is going to reflect those colors,and also oftentimes the clothing. I am both intriqued and amazed at the beauty of the dark backgrounds I see in the masters, both of old and contemporary and have no idea how one gets that deep rich tone, even like the Sargent self portrait that you posted here.
In addition to any other advice that gets discussed, I would really like to know the palette for those elegant backgrounds, and the method of applying those dark tones. Nothing I have ever done has ever come close.
Thanks in advance.
Dianne
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