Morgan: Child's Portrait

Mike Dodson · 08-07-2003, 10:39 AM

Thanks to all for your great advice and interest.

Jeff,

I certainly don't mind addressing your question at all, it's one that I have often wondered about others also.I am flattered that you think my work is so close to the resource photo's provided.

I spend a great deal of time/effort in doing my best to capture one's likeness and to have everyting in the right place. I was so pleased with the composition of the two pieces you have referenced that I decided to change very little, with the exception of the great recommendations I am receiving so far for this particular drawing.
One thing that I do is that I go to great extremes to try to get everything it it's exact location. I measure, measure, measure and check relationship's, relationship's, and relationship's. I also do exactly what you mentioned, I place a photo along side the reference to have another look.In many cases, though not seen in these two works, I may move an arm or a piece of furniture.

I just recently visited an artist who is currently receiving $30,000 for bust portraits and $75,000 for full length. He had a full length WIP I saw and it was quite obvious he uses a projector from the way the drawing was rendered.

So I guess there are some out there who use this approach. I might myself if I were just swamped with commission's, but that's another topic.

Michele,

I'll "downplay" those areas of the vine you have mentioned. I think that will certainly improve the drawing. I am also studying some of Bouguereau's work since not only was he a master (understatement) but painted a number of outdoor children's portraits.

Scott,

I just spent some time viewing Peggy B.'s drawing of Keily and I certainly see your points. Subtlety is something that is not easily mastered as I am discovering but I will contine to work at it.

Also, please feel free to give your recommendations as often as possible, it has been most helpful, actually, last night I moved the horizon line upward and you suggested and it was a vast improvement.

I'll post updates early next week.