Arianna and Taylor

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Mike McCarty

Very nice Garth.

I agree that these spontaneous "less than" posed portraits of children are very compelling.

Thanks Mike,

I generally will patiently wait, watch and observe what a sitter will naturally assume in a pose. This can be compelling as you say, and very insightful as a way to reveal the sitter's personality. Not all spontaneous photographic moments seem adaptable to painted portraits however. Some actions can seem too extreme and implausible as a painted record. There is underlying truth to the teachings that a portrait pose should be that which can be held and assumed without strain for a length of time by the sitter. However, in analysing the case of this painting's references, the mere fact that the girls are seated adds just about sufficient stability to anchor their activity and interaction.

Garth