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Just show up in something.
One of the most important aspects of portrait design is incorporating and deciding on the attire.
An average womans head is 8 1/4" in length. If you are doing a 3/4 length portrait of a 5 head figure you will be dealing with an approximately 50" long painting. You have 40" left to design well. Leaving the clothing to chance and punting can lead to unfortunate results. You are now as it is, faced with the dilemma of a strongly patterned dress overlayed with a very sharply colored red rose. Both are distractions and divert the eye from the girl's face.
Sargent did a painting of a woman in a black and white dress, but she also had black hair as a balance and was clutching a single pink blossom, sans the added linear distraction of the stem.
In a magazine article, Nelson Shanks relates the importance of the preparation, which sometimes can take more time than the painting.
Look at your model, visualize how she would be best painted, colors etc.. Have her bring over other dresses. If nothing works go to a second hand or designer consignment shop and get her something more elegant and suitable.
Powder her nose, that will help the red.
Painting is difficult enough, give yourself the aid of a well planned project. Remember, chic portraits will show your prospective clients your taste. Avoid at all costs the prom dress look, if you want to attract a more upscale client.
Up lighting can be very effective, Sargent used it, I use it.
This business requires a lot of work. Remember it is VERY COMPETITIVE!
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