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Linda Nelson · 10-19-2002, 09:24 PM

I didn't mean to offer my explanation as saying that anything that one cannot sustain for hours is "unnatural" in a painting. I was just offering an option on how to persuade a client when you the artist feel a toothy smile is not in the best interest of the painting or client's goal. I think the public gets trained by seeing photos to the point that not smiling seems uncomfortable. Being conscious of this fact makes them take on the project of a portrait with fresh eyes.

WE know that a painting with even hint of a smile still communicates to the viewer, but we simply have to assure our clients of that. I do agree with you that toothy smiles are totally valid and appropriate, so I'mm only talking here about the cases in which it's not going to bring the best outcome.

I think it's better to offer a reasonable explanation that a customer could concede to than turn the issue into a power struggle.

10-19-2002, 09:24 PM	#33
Linda Nelson Juried Member Joined: Sep 2001 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 386	Teeth or not I didn't mean to offer my explanation as saying that anything that one cannot sustain for hours is "unnatural" in a painting. I was just offering an option on how to persuade a client when you the artist feel a toothy smile is not in the best interest of the painting or client's goal. I think the public gets trained by seeing photos to the point that not smiling seems uncomfortable. Being conscious of this fact makes them take on the project of a portrait with fresh eyes. WE know that a painting with even hint of a smile still communicates to the viewer, but we simply have to assure our clients of that. I do agree with you that toothy smiles are totally valid and appropriate, so I'mm only talking here about the cases in which it's not going to bring the best outcome. I think it's better to offer a reasonable explanation that a customer could concede to than turn the issue into a power struggle.