Bianca

Leslie Bohoss · 10-03-2004, 06:43 AM

My newest painting is Bianca. She's 7.

There is no other source, except this flashed one below and the story is not very happy behind this painting. So I tried some tricks with PC to make it better and making some changes of shirt and eyes.

Dimension: 9.4 * 11.8 inches.

I did not an underpainting as before, direct painting with the same limited palette as "Hands". Somewhat is there at the neck area. but what?

What is your opinions?

Ciao!

Scott Bartner · 10-03-2004, 03:37 PM

Dear Leslie:

Someone like you hungrily learning the art of portraiture should stay clear of "FFSF" photos. (Translated that means flash, frontal, smiley-faced) In fact everyone should. Even a master would be hard pressed to do something with this photo and there's very little to be learned by such an exercise.

Looking at your painting what first strikes me is the lower part of the face; its the weakest in terms of drawing and values. The shadows under the cheeks are not as pronounced as you have rendered them. Squint at the photo and you'll see what I mean. The mouth appears flat, the lip color is rather intense and the shadows surrounding the corners of the mouth are too dark.

If this is a commission and taking the photos yourself is not an option my suggestion would then be to print off a black and white version of the photo. Get the drawing and values correct. One way to do this is to work with the photo and the painting upside down. This way you cease to see a face but rather a tonal structure. Try to avoid copying the photo verbatim; for example how many old master paintings have you seen with catch lights in the middle of the eye? This is a flash phenomenon.

Leslie, I don't mean to be overly critical. What you might consider doing is having a look at the reference photo section to get an idea of what is a good reference photo. I have it on good authority that some of the artists who have posted excellent photo examples there, are generous enough to allow enterprising artists to make portraits from them.

Leslie Bohoss · 10-03-2004, 06:37 PM

Hi Scott

"overly critical"?

Definitely not ! I think this is the point all forums.

I like your criticism, in that case even, I define is as positive. You detect finest mistakes so there are no big ones there., isn't? My problem was always, I read the critiques, points etc.. and I could not realize it. I hope it is better now.

I 'll try to concentrate on your points and do my picture upside down.
Ref. picture: No, not a commission, a kindness for a lovely person. a long offtopic story.

I know the picture is bad and this is the manipulated version.

Many thanks! Leslie.

Michele Rushworth · 10-03-2004, 06:47 PM

The subject in your painting looks many years older than the photograph. This is a common difficulty when painting children. The vertical dimensions, especially of the lower face, need to be very carefully observed. If these areas are too tall compared to the various widths of things, as they have been painted here, then you put years onto the age of the child. She looks like a teenager in the painting, I think.

I also agree with Scott that this is not a photo that will help you learn much or help you create a good portfolio piece. I understand that it is being done as a favor for a friend, though.

Leslie Bohoss · 10-03-2004, 07:25 PM

Michele ,

Yes , Right! I did this one by sight sizing from a print. (it is a relative small painting, an A4 size did it)

Why happens always the same with me? I did a good, measured(!) sketch on panel. After 3 sessions is many points are off ! It makes me crazy. Am I too hurry? I think so. Hot-headed as me is not good for painting. lol

I see the perfect paintings here, they are extraordinarily accurate. I should be do it without Photoshop and Co. isn't?

Many thanks for advise!
Leslie.

Julie Deane · 10-03-2004, 08:50 PM

Hi Leslie -

I can relate. I think any time we add paint over a sketch it tends to go off from the original measurements. That is my constant struggle and I've read similar comments online at this site. I've read people commenting on their work, and they frequently mention "re-stating" their work. In plain talk, that means they realize that the painting's proportions are now incorrect and they have to correct it.

I am in the midst of such a struggle now. I have let the work dry and then I took a tracing from my exact size photo and laid it over my painting. I now can take note of all the things that have drifted and need "re-stating".

Leslie Bohoss · 10-04-2004, 03:34 PM

Hi Julie,

Not only my problem? Puhh. Good to know.

The idea with tracing paper is useful, like the upside down by Scott. I know this Photoshop layering trick, but I used it very rarely. Mostly I paint (since reading about it, by Steven Sweeney) with the sight size methode. Because it is the best and the only one that works in live too. (in case I doing a good live painting/drawing in the future) Recently, I constructed a control tool that must be help during the painting process, but I didn't tested yet. If it works, I post it with photos. (I'm a kind of "tool time" guys.... )

The question always in my mind: does it really help or even contrary.

I'm sure your painting comes very good!

Thank you and Ciao!

Leslie Bohoss · 10-10-2004, 12:37 PM

Hello,

I've changed all things what I can. Is it better now? Is she still older than 7-8 ? (The girl is now 10 years old, not 7, my mistake)
Sorry for the bad shot.
The last painting from bad reference photo, really.

Julie Deane · 10-10-2004, 06:07 PM

Hi Leslie -

I can tell you've been working hard. It has definitely improved.
This is a tough photo to work from, however. She really does have different sized eyes, for instance. I guess she has a mannerism in which one eye squints more than the other.

I am still bothered by her mouth and chin, especially on her right side (our left). That side of the face appears to drift too far to the side, making her look unsymmetrical.

Also, are your values accurately portrayed online? The values in the painting seem to be overly contrasted, at least on my monitor. I see a lot of cool, very subtle, tone variations in the photo that I don't see in the painting at the moment.

Leslie Bohoss · 10-11-2004, 04:22 PM

Hello Julie

Thanks for your comments!

I've painted new almost all parts. I think now I'm a little step forwards. I was unhappy with skintones.
To values: I thought, the flash made the face too flat, so I gave more contrast to achieve 3D forms. And I wanted a very warm image.
Here is night, the reality is more better as this shot.

Thank you for your helps!
Ciao!