Which one?
 

I am really pleased with a photo shoot I had yesterday. I think there are at least 30 I could paint for figuratives. I'm going to post just a few of my favorites.... which one/s do you all think would make a better painting?

Here are a couple more that are 'different' - I am not sure anyone else would appreciate them, but I like them.

Kim,
#3 is my favorite. There is a beautiful golden glow to her skin and the red chair is a very interesting accent, though I would tone down the chroma a little in the painting. # 1 is a close second, but the lighting on the figure is a little flat. Where did you get such a lovely model?

Thanks Richard for your input. I've got several that are the same as #1, but they get the entire body. I just like too many of them and want to paint at least 4-5. I just always feel like I shouldnt use the same costume/model over and over again. I should have had her change when we switched locations.

I got this lovely girl here in my small town. I've used maybe 7 of the local girls this past year, ages 13-18. They sure do grow them pretty here. I missed this girl until my 8-year-old son told me about her. She is the daughter of his teacher and goes into the classroom to help a lot. I was very dubious of my youngest....not sure I trusted his taste - but turns out he has a good eye for the pretty girls as well. I think she is his first real crush. He gave her his 2 favorite chickens for her birthday the other day. Young love.... ;)

Dear Kim ,

I agree with Richard. Completely. Nonetheless, there are other themes I think you should contiinue to explore because you are so well poised to do so.

Do you have Burt Silverman's "Sight & Insight"? If so, check out his nude on the highway, "T-Junction, Route 52", which is on page 122. I am way too tired tonight to scan and post ( I don't think he would mind), but you'll see how beautifully he has handled the background/values, setting the figure against a darker backdrop. I am a bit out of pocket for the week, but will try to post this amazing painting when I get a chance. I LOVE your vision of the costumed hitchhiker, which produces, at least for me, a tremendous wealth of narrative.

There is also something about #2, that I think y ou might continue to explore in your next photo session.

Compositionally, (well, to me), all those low parallel horizontals are kind of psychologically lowering and leveling, and sort of cry out for some dynamic relief. Diagonal elements. The postiion of the maximally foreshortend legs, sitting exactly under the torso, contribute to what is a bit of a static composition. The obvious solution would be to place the legs at an angle, but I really like the strange tension they establish.

I think you might consider rephotographing, creating some directionality (is this a word?) with a strong diagonal light direction, with movement reinforced through other background elements. I don't know what they might be, maybe a diagonally cast shadow of something out of the picture plane, diagonal set stones,something to that effect .

You are really doing great work.

Thanks Chris!

Yes - when you get a chance please do scan and post that as I don't have the book. No hurry though. Unfortunatly I am only here 5 more days - so I may not have any more shoots here - but I already have some models lined up in my new city. And the costume is mine thanks to eBay. I'm glad someone liked that idea. My daughter was along and thought I was crazy.

Chris,
We were cross-posting -
Now you've given me some more ideas. I may have to squeeze in just ONE more shoot.... :D

Aha! Just along the wall out of view of this photo were vines climbing the walls...perhaps a diagonal design using those.

3. 3. 3. I am so jealous. Amazing. You would do any of them well but I love 3.

Kim, have you painted the hitchhiker pose? If I had seen this post when you posted it, I would have begged you to do so. It is fabulous. Have you painted it? :)

Jan, yes I started it. :)

And 1, 2 and 3 actually. I've sketched out on supports 4 with this model. I have the bad habit in recent months of starting many paintings. I have no less than 7 drawn out to begin painting and 4 others that are nearly done. This is a habit I need to break right away. I'm not sure how it started. Just too many ideas. My goal for the summer - now that I am unpacked and have the studio set up is to finish all the paintings in progress. And I will - as soon as I can stop sketching my new ideas.

Kim, I don't think that's a bad habit, sounds like a good one to me - unless you get so many going that you never complete anything. If you have more than one painting in progress you can always go to another when you need a fresh eye, drying time, etc.

Number Three!

I want to hear about you finishing the painting of my three girls. Sorta, pretty much, and completely evil.

Mike - I know, I know. Those girls have been mocking me for 6 months now. I'm so close to finishing. It's not that I've lost interest in the painting itself, but maybe lost a little interest in the process of that particular one. In the past, if that happened I'd finish quickly to get it over with and move on. Im afraid of doing that to this one, so I keep putting it off. I think this is the first time I've had a type of psychological block when it comes to working on something. It would crush me if I messed it up...and I dont ever usually worry about that. After all - you can always start over. I love that painting. Im really attached to it. I think it's the best work I've ever done. Somehow all these thoughts have got me all tied up. And then all visitors to my studio rave about it...telling me to use it to get into a bigger name gallery. That it will up my prices, etc. I never ever have been bothered by rejection or criticism, but I fear I will be where that one is concerned. I'm hoping all this new angst means it's good - and not that I'm losing my grip on reality. I don't generally do 'angst'. Someone get me a shrink, quick!