Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post

Michael Georges · 08-13-2002, 10:01 AM

No Smoke and Mirrors
Portraiture is a business and portrait artists are skilled artisans. There are no smoke and mirrors, nor IMO, should we be presenting portraiture as "some magical thing". No rabbits, no hats, no going behind the curtain. I want my client to be completely happy with their portrait, so I share exactly what I am doing with them - I take them with me through the process. They see sketches, value studies, the underpainting, and the final - with the ability to give me input at any time. They know exactly what they are getting and they feel like they are part of the process - it makes for a happier client.

Better than the Photos
I strive always to make my paintings better than the photo reference I use. Thereby, I have not yet had a problem letting my client see the pics we took because the final painting, again IMO, had better be more lifelike and luminous than any reference photo could ever hope to be.

To me, it's all about setting expectations of yourself and your client.

08-13-2002, 10:01 AM	#14
Michael Georges PAINTING PORTRAITS FROM LIFE MODERATOR FT Professional Joined: Nov 2001 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 846	A couple of thoughts... No Smoke and Mirrors Portraiture is a business and portrait artists are skilled artisans. There are no smoke and mirrors, nor IMO, should we be presenting portraiture as "some magical thing". No rabbits, no hats, no going behind the curtain. I want my client to be completely happy with their portrait, so I share exactly what I am doing with them - I take them with me through the process. They see sketches, value studies, the underpainting, and the final - with the ability to give me input at any time. They know exactly what they are getting and they feel like they are part of the process - it makes for a happier client. Better than the Photos I strive always to make my paintings better than the photo reference I use. Thereby, I have not yet had a problem letting my client see the pics we took because the final painting, again IMO, had better be more lifelike and luminous than any reference photo could ever hope to be. To me, it's all about setting expectations of yourself and your client. __________________ Michael Georges www.fineportraitsinoil.com Michael's Life Drawing & Painting Blog Regular and consistent work from life will improve your portraits. Drawing skills are the foundation of all an artist does.