Help re: what to include in painting
 

I took this photo and had cropped it and did a color sketch of just the fisherman's head. I have been asked to paint a 'good' copy for a charity auction and want some advice on cropping and what to include. Although I would like to include his hand and the fishing rod the resulting painting is quite long to accommodate his hand placement. should I stick with just his head as his pipe and wrinkles add interest or try to do some watery background and hands?
Thanks for your help.

Tessa,

I took the liberty of rotating your photo.

I've also created a few 16x20 compositions. I hope you have another image with better resolution.

It looks like an interesting head if you can see enough to get it done.

M

Thanks
 

Thank you Mike for rotating the photo, I posted quickly and rushed out on an errand without having a look. I am able to crop the photo and get a clearer image, if that is the best way to paint it.

Hi Tessa, nice motife, it looks very Danish I think. Is it?

You're right
 

Hi Allen,
Yes, we had a great trip to Denmark this summer and this was taken at an historical village - everyone in costume, living the authentic old Danish lifestyle. This gentleman suited the costume, kind of gruff and weather beaten. Any suggestions re: how you might crop and would you just do the head shot with a plain, greyish background or would you attempt some water?

I is "Den gamle By" in

The name escaped me without looking at my journal, but thanks it was in Arhus. Thanks for the input, will post my attempt in a few weeks.

Tessa,

If you will send me your highest res. image I will make the crop for you. Or, I'm sure Allan would do the same.

Allan is a portrait high priest from the European continent. You could do a lot worse than to have him mentor this project in the work in progress section.

M

Thank you
 

Hello Mike, Thanks for the offer. I actually had a good copy in Photoshop and cropped it as per the suggestion given - it has turned out well. I have actually begun sketching it with the hands and fishing pole included. I will definitely get more feedback as it progresses. Thanks again. Tessa