|
Hi Everyone,
Agree with you regarding the pros and cons of photography. I was trained working from life and like to think I'm able to bring that experience to my commissions that are purely from photos. That said, I WOULD LOVE to say "yes, I paint from life.." My question to you Tim, is HOW do you do it without feeling pressured to 'perform'?
For example, when I do have a model, I set them up, make them comfortable, chit-chat, etc. THEN, silence..I'm in the 'zone'...next thing you know, the sitter starts fidgeting, and I feel like I either have to hurry and be done with it or start entertaining them. In other words, I can't get comfortable, I don't feel the sitter is, and I wonder how successful the portrait really is! Yes, seeing how things work from life is absolutely invaluable, but the flip side (for me) is something of the moment is lost. Michelle Mitchell blows me away with her paintings..an extended arm, an old man with an incredible expression on his face!! Gosh. Sometimes I wish I had lived 100 years ago just so I can DO that.
|