Portrait of Melisse

Steve Moppert · 10-29-2002, 01:05 AM

It has been a while since I've contributed to the Forum, but I would like to show a couple of my portraits as a way of re-introduction (and in some cases, introduction) to the members.

Steve

Chris Saper · 10-29-2002, 04:03 PM

Dear Steve,

It is more than pleasure to see you back - and with such imagery!

It's particularly enjoyable to see the versatility you show here (and with Kelly, here: http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...&threadid=1570), in every respect. Diverse attitude, mood, formality, lighting...

Would you mind commenting on the decisions you went through in posing and lighting this subject? I believe if someone came to me with this gown, I'd suggest a change of clothes.

Strong, lovely piece.

Steve Moppert · 10-29-2002, 07:04 PM

Chris,

Thanks so very much for the nice comments. Funny you should mention a change of clothing! That's exactly what I asked for when I saw the puff sleeves. I was concerned that this lovely girl looked like someone wearing soccer balls on her shoulders. However, it was her debutante gown and both mother and daughter insisted this was "the dress" for the portrait.

I decided that if I turned her sideways her shoulders wouldn't look so wide and, fortunately, it worked. I've always admired Zorn's white-on-white painting of Frances Folsom Cleveland (Mrs. Grover Cleveland) and considered this an opportunity to try my hand at it. I also wanted to give the impression that the subject was unposed and was gazing at the viewer as she passed through the room.

Again, thank you for your comments.
Steve

Chris Saper · 10-29-2002, 08:11 PM

I didn't mean that the dress isn't actually a perfect portrait gown...I meant that it is so very complex, that it could not be successful unless rendered with the skill you have brought to bear. I can look at this gown and actually know what it sounds like when she walks. The fabric is beautiful, and I would actually like to take a workshop studying nothing but painting clothing; but I can't say I've ever seen one offered.

I also love the subtle color in the white on white scheme, and I agree there is a sense of paused movement in the pose.

Michael Georges · 10-29-2002, 11:15 PM

Steve:

Again, a wonderful work. What is its size and surface?

I like the warmth in the hair, and like a Sargent painting, your detail recedes nicely as you move away from the face and hands.

Cynthia Daniel · 10-30-2002, 03:19 AM

Steve,

It is indeed a beautiful painting! For those who don't know the Zorn portrait to which you refer, I hope you don't mind that I've posted it here for reference. Correct me if I have the wrong one. I'm sure it's much more beautiful in real life.

Steve Moppert · 10-30-2002, 11:03 AM

Chris, Michael, and Cynthia,

You guys are so nice. Thanks again for the comments and questions.

The painting is oil on linen (Claessens 13SP) and it's 32" x 50".

Chris, I really liked your statment about being able to "hear" the subject as she walked.

Cynthia, thanks for posting the Zorn painting. That's the one to which I was referring.

Michael, I loved just SEEING the words "like a Sargent"! Most of the dress was painted by putting a brushstroke on the canvas, then backing away about 30', having a look, and then applying more paint. It was a fun experience.

Steve