Makeshift Photo Studio

Janet Kimantas · 03-27-2006, 10:03 PM

Patricia, these are all very sweet photos, but I will defer to my betters here and agree that one and three appear to be best (of a very good lot). I am sure that you will do a fantastic job, too. This one seems to be right up your alley.
Best, Janet

Patricia Joyce · 03-28-2006, 10:37 AM

Mischa - The procedure you described is pretty much the approach I have taken with my most recent portraits.

Ilaria, Richard, Janet - I am meeting with the clients tonight and do not have time for a sketch, though it is a great idea, one I will try to do when I have more time. The turnaround for this commission has to be fairly swift as I am moving the end of April and would love to nail down a commission for their two teenage sons!

I am going for a head and shoulder with this and am planning a very short/simple dissertation on the beauty of a photo (Clevelanders are only used to photos, remember) vs. absolute beauty of an intimate portrait sans background noise and anything else which would take your eyes off of her sweet face. In a photo the hand gesture and the little stuffed animal are sentimental and cutesy. My intent and style is to create a work of art which captures the beauty of her face and the softness of her personality. She doesn't need props! She is a quietly enchanting little girl in person, I can't wait to capture that in a drawing! I'm not so nervous when I think of the vision I have and how I will convey this.

The whole photo process was very gratifying. I found it a challenge and fun, engaging with her and just shooting pictures galore without her barely noticing! Plus, so much information about her personality and body language, how she interracted with me and her father will be inspiration as I draw her. I think this will result in a better portrait than when drawing from a photo sent from New York or Ct of a person I have not met...

Janel Maples · 03-28-2006, 09:32 PM

My first choice is number one, second is number three.

I like the relaxed feeling from number one.

Good luck Pat. I can't wait to see the final product when you are finished. Keep us informed.

Also, I haven't commented on your move but good luck with that as well. I was very tempted to say something about your "Three times is a charm" comment but I won't go there (inside joke for you and me, wink!) Anyway my thoughts and best wishes are with you. With your personality and spirit you will do well anywhere.

Chris Saper · 03-28-2006, 10:07 PM

Go for number 1. Put out the sample based on what you want to be hired to paint next. You'll do a beautiful job.

Patricia Joyce · 03-29-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janel Maples

Also, I haven't commented on your move but good luck with that as well. I was very tempted to say something about your "Three times is a charm" comment but I won't go there (inside joke for you and me, wink!) Anyway my thoughts and best wishes are with you. With your personality and spirit you will do well anywhere.

Janel, you encouraging words mean a lot to me. Third, fourth, fifth, one of them is a charm (ha ha

) The closer moving day gets the more excited I am and the more confidant I feel that this is exactly what I want to do right now with my life. Change is scary, but courage is life-affirming!!

Well, I may regret showing the client all of these pics. They chose Number 2 because they love her eyes (who doesn't) and want her looking directly at the viewer. I can't say I don't agree with their reasoning and it will be a lovely portrait (I have several reference shots in this position, some with her hair more fluid and less Helmet like!). But I may just have to paint #1 or #3 this summer because I love the pose and her face is so tender. I told them that and they said they might be interested in buying a painting of her also! We'll see!

Chris, I felt it necessary to show them several choices. Do you show them what you will be using as a reference and not give them a choice? Need to rethink this before the next commission!

Chris Saper · 03-29-2006, 11:21 AM

I give them a choice - I'll show the images that will make good portraits, let them know the one I would choose if I were painting my child, and them let them choose.

Linda Brandon · 03-29-2006, 11:53 AM

Pat, it sounds like I'm too late here on this, but you might want to greyscale your image before deciding what will make the final cut. When I do a drawing from a photo this helps me visualize the finished work, abstract my shapes, manage edges better and pushes the work past the "tight photocopy" feel - for me, anyway.

I also do a lot of auction drawings. You have beautiful photos here of a beautiful child, your drawing will be wonderful.

Patricia Joyce · 03-29-2006, 12:03 PM

Thanks Chris and Linda,
Never too late, there will be more opportunities (I hope!). I do that too, print in grayscale! It does really help. This little charmer's eyes are such a lucid blue that in the BW the irises are almost white! I am excited about this one, her eyes are so beautiful and the rest of her features just perfect.

This commission is actually from the first auction I did! There are two boys too, so I am hoping they will want two more!