Another size question.

Mike McCarty · 10-27-2004, 11:02 PM

Mary, what I did specifically is this ...

If you bring the photo into your photo shop software (or other software) it will indicate your photo to be so many pixels high and wide. Like the restrictions we have here for posting 400 w by 600 h.

If you set your cursor on the top of his head your program should indicate, on the (x y) axis, how many pixels down from the top your cursor pointer is (for your photo the number was 17), make note of that number. Then, move the cursor to the bottom of the chin and note the pixel position number (your photo was 117).

Now, subtract the first number (top of head 17) from the second number (bottom of the chin 117) and you will have the total vertical pixels of the head (100).

If you take that number (100) and divide it into the total number of vertical pixels (your photo was 539) you will get how many "seven inches" there are within the overall vertical length of the photo. Then, take that number (5.39) and multiply it by seven to get the vertical size of the canvas (37.73) using a seven inch head.

This is a lot harder to describe than it is to do. And, I should get extra points for doing this calculation during what looks like the last game of the World Series.

Steven Sweeney · 10-28-2004, 12:07 PM

This isn't to the point of format size, but I would be a little concerned about how to avoid an "amputee" appearance in that bent leg. I think I'd lower the foot about 30% of the distance below it (it would still appear that he's resting his heel on part of the plaster critter behind him), so that you could show the shin in a foreshortened posture. If not that, then I'd open up some space between that resting foot and the leg next to it, to make it clearer that it "belongs" to the round knee.

Mary Sparrow · 10-28-2004, 12:33 PM

Yes, Mike, I definitely gave you extra points for that! I'll give you even more if you look at this.

Steven, nice to see you. That isn't the photo we are going to use.
The mom likes this one.

What do you think? If you would use it, where would you crop in for a 30x40?

Michele Rushworth · 10-28-2004, 02:36 PM

I like to paint anywhere from 75% to 100% life size. How tall is the kid?

Mike McCarty · 10-28-2004, 02:51 PM

If you use that precise composition, with a seven inch head the canvas will be 48 inches, doing the math as suggested above.

Mary Sparrow · 10-28-2004, 03:07 PM

I don't think she is going to want one that big. 40 inches is probably as big as she is going to want to go for the spot that she wants to put it.

He is about 4 feet tall..So, I think the 40 inch will be fine, cropping in. Don't you?

Mike McCarty · 10-28-2004, 03:23 PM

If you take a little off the top and sides, creating this 516x380 image, you will be just under 40 inches if you paint a SIX inch head.

Kimberly Dow · 10-28-2004, 10:01 PM

That looks perfect to me. I cant help but wish there were more interesting reflections in the windows though. I saw a beautiful sky and clouds reflected in window that I photographed recently - I am hoping for the opportunity to use it someday if it looks right.

Mary Sparrow · 11-01-2004, 01:30 PM

I have nudged the mother to a 30x40, shew. Just when I thought it was safe, I get an email from her stating that she has changed her mind. Not on the size, but rather the reference photo. She switched gears on me here, we were going with a totally different reference photo, but now she wants to know if I can paint the body of the second photo posted here and make his toes not curl, and the face on the other body. ( I personally like the overall look of the first photo better)

*Sigh*

I haven't had a chance to speak with her about this request, so I want to know what you all think.

Kimberly Dow · 11-02-2004, 01:05 AM

Mary,

Here is my 2-cents. First of all - do you feel comfortable using 2 different references? Do you feel you can make the toes correct in the way she suggested? If any of these answers are no, or you are unsure - I'd speak to the woman as the professional you are - you know more than her on what it takes to make a sucessful portrait. Just tell her that piecing parts of photos together can have a funky feel to it and you want hers to come out as a masterpiece - in order to do that you need one reference that you both agree on - or go into particulars about why this one works over that one... Tell her to trust your artistic experiece...blah blah blah..

I do not quite understand which refence she wants for the head and which for the body - so I don't know how to comment on that in particular.... but I say just be sure of your reasons, use words like 'longevity in appreciating the design' or 'timelessness' etc.. And be slightly firm.

I suppose if it were me I'd start out with something like "You are the client of course and I want you to be happy. From my experience though - this particular one will be a better overall design and show your son in such a wonderful light - it is really quite timeless.
Remember, this is an heirloom that will last generations, you want this to be a painting that is so well-designed that even his great-great-grandchildren, who never met him, will want it on their walls. Not only for the sentimentality issues, but because it is a great painting that stands on its own - even if you do not know your son."

How's that? Mother's! What a pain to talk to, eh?