Anniversary portrait
 

Pastel on Ingres 22" x 16.5"

This is a commission. The client wanted it just as the photo for a surprise gift for her husband.

Obviously it is not finished. I have concerns about shadows, shadow colours and background. Everything really

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Geraldine

Source photo
 

This is the source photo for the above portrait

Hi Geraldine

I think you've got a pretty good likeness there but my first impression is that it is all too grey and washed out. When I scrolled down I found the source photo and I think you could deepen your image overall, somewhat. If you make his suit darker for starters, that will throw her forward. I am guessing that they are blonder than they look in the photo?

Please post progress photos, I'd be interested to see how it turns out.

Margaret

Thank you so much for your reply Margaret.

Yes, she is very blonde and he has mousy hair, also they are not as tanned as in the photo.

My painting looks more washed out here than it actually is. His suit is a very light grey. That's why I was concerned about the background not pushing them forward enough. Is there another way to bring the painting forward?

Thank you again for taking the time to help me.

Regards,
Geraldine

I was also wondering if I should put the shadow of her face on his suit as seen in the photo?

Geraldine,

I think it's unfortunate that you are having to do this commission from a flash photo. It is so hard to get a flattering likeness from a flash pic. The shadows are generally much too harsh, the values are compressed, and the flesh tones inacurrate, among other things. Is there a way you could get some better non-flash references?