Props

Joan Breckwoldt · 05-19-2004, 10:17 PM

I should have mentioned I really like that rose. I think it will add a nice pop of color to the portrait.

Steven, you're funny! Thank's for the laugh.

Joan

Jean Kelly · 05-19-2004, 11:09 PM

I guess I should have explained the rose tube! When I get done it will become a neckroll, more even and smaller around, possibly with some fancy trim or tassel on it. I used to be the "pillow queen" of Madison. Michele, thank you for the tip about the white on the floor. I'll head back to the basement and my wall of fabric. These are the little things that make or break a portrait, that I don't know yet.

Joan, I've done most of my portaits with little or no planning and it shows. I'm taking all the advice I've learned here this time, no making up color, clothing, backgrounds etc. I'd like this one to be special. It will be a large canvas, possibly 30x50 and I don't want to waste my time, paint, or the linen I'll be putting it on. Read some of Sharon Knettel's posts on planning, or Peggy Baumgartener, Chris Saper, Marvin Mattleson or any other artist you admire. I've decided to try it their way and post the trials and tribulations along the way.

This is a portfolio piece, not a commission, so I get to do what I want!
The pillow on the chair is just pinned together at this point, when the model is seated on it her dress and body will cover most of it up. I want the part that does show to look plush.

Jean

Michele Rushworth · 05-20-2004, 12:48 AM

Where will the neckroll be? It may only serve to confuse the viewer, especially with such a strong color.

Jean Kelly · 05-20-2004, 01:21 AM

Hi Michele,

This is simply decorative, I thought I'd just lay it on the floor. I tried a rectangular shape and didn't like it. I may also try a small square pillow leaning against the chair leg. So far I have about 20 different fabrics I'd like to use. I have to be careful so I don't overpower my main subject. If I go to a darker fabric for the floor I'll probably change the pillow to a different color anyway.

Jean

Ps the pillows I made never had any practical use, merely window dressing!

Jean Kelly · 05-26-2004, 09:39 PM

After a week of rain (9.35") I've finally gotten back to this. I managed to srounge up a small piece of deep plum ultrasuede, and I think this will do nicely. The dress has picked up some plum from the floor covering and should also reflect well on her feet. I'll find a nicer rose or two for the floor and just lay them there and forget about pillows.

Is this better Michele? I also photographed it in back and white. I believe when my model is actually in the dress, the composition and balance will work well.

Jean

Michele Rushworth · 05-26-2004, 11:14 PM

Very nice. Maybe something plum up higher in the painting would balance things out well too -- maybe a flower in her hair that is the same color as the floor covering? And plum in the halftones and shadows of the figure where appropriate. You wouldn't want a really strong color on the floor that isn't echoed anywhere else in the painting. Let us know how it progresses!

Jean Kelly · 05-26-2004, 11:50 PM

The plum is actually a very dusty soft color. For some reason my camera has always had problems with the violets especially when the color is very subtle. I'll be painting it from life anyway. I'll go looking for flowers tomorrow, and then get the model over here and play with lighting. I've tried to get either of my sons to pose with the dress but no takers.

Jean