Portrait Artist Forum - Makeshift Photo Studio

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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 :exclamati ) 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!

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.

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.

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!