A Family Portrait
 

A recent commission
Charcoal on Roma paper 40cm x 60cm

The husband and wife came to my first exhibit here in Bad Homburg, actually they were the first ones there. Before they left we made aragements to get together and discuss a family portrait. A real nice family. The gent is a CEO for one of the worlds top electronics companies. His wife and I are in the same Deutsch class and their daughter studies business management in Las Vegas. I have delivered the framed portrait and they are quite pleased.

Mischa,

Congratulations on this very successful commission! It always amazes me what can be done with value alone. The areas of greatest contrast are so carefully thought out, and the massing really works. I also like the fact that the family interactions are clear. The way the parents are grouped around the daughter, and the way they touch her, show how much of themselves they have invested as parents. Towards each other they are reticent but I have the impression that there is love behind the reserved exterior.

Than you Alex. When I first met with the couple, over a afternoon meal at a Korean restaurant, the idea was to do a portrait of the two of them. Knowing the importance of family ties with in the Korean community, I suggested that family is what we will strive for. It was a bit complicate being that the daughter was in the US but we did manage.

Much thought went into the composition, especially arrangement of value. As you have noticed I used a diagonal value division. I thought to use a drapery behind them for another concept of value. Still I liked this one better and went with it. I'm happy to hear that it works. Another compositional problem is to give the eye interest. Combining this with family unity I attempted to create circular motion if you will. So, what we have is a diagonal and circle within a rectangular frame.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me. This helps me to understand what others see and notice.

All the best to you

Misha,

I am sure they are thrilled! You have been very judicious in the way you have established your values, and I think that makes this portrait very strong.Look forward to your next portrait!

Chris, thank you for taking the time and writing a few encouraging words.

All the best to you