When do we NOT see things?
 

I am sure we have addressed our role as artists when commissioned to do a portrait on how we should respond, when asked to be plastic surgeons. But I don

Beth,

I'm a little fuzzy on what your vision is for this girl (woman?). Would you restate your question?

Sorry Mike, I thought I was clear but am probably beating around the bush, because it is a sensitive subject for teenagers.

When we changed her pose by bring her arm up, we created a very huge amount of cleavage from this large chested teenager. Since she is such an athlete, she is very muscular in her shoulders and chest too.

So my question was, am I worrying too much about the emotions of this young lady (I don

It would seem to me that your options don't lie only on either extreme.

I think I would encourage her to bring as many different blouses/dresses as possible (with the exception of the poka dots and such) and have her pose with each.

It sound like you are painting from life which doesn't allow her to view herself in the pose. If you want her to be involved to the point of making these decisions (which has its own set of risks) I would take some photos and get her input. Doesn't mean you can't paint from life.

I like the idea of using the hands. This young lady below had some of the same issues which you bring up here. She was fifteen years old, a very athletic basketball player, over six feet tall. So you create all the interest around the pretty face and play down the rest.

Elizabeth, is this a commission? If not, paint it the way you want it.

If it is, I'm reminded of a quote I read a while back on this forum that goes something like this: I learned long ago that painting my clients as they really are would be a fatal career move.

Perhaps you could post a copy of the photo under Resource Photo Critiques and we can help you there.

I would just ask her. Explain what you have said here and ask how she would like to be portrayed. You are interjecting your own aesthetics, and they may not be hers.

I have had occasion to ask clients questions like, "Your left eyelid droops. Do you want this portrayed? Would you like me to photograph you in a way that it doesn't show?"