Abbey

Carolyn Bannister · 08-10-2005, 01:22 PM

Hello everyone,

I haven't posted for ages but here goes.

Bratislava is not that bad at all, but i don't have the best working conditions, i have resorted to using the mirror over the dressing table as my easel. I haven't been able to work during the middle of the day either as the apartment is on the top floor and it has been nearly 40 degrees here

Anyway enough of the excuses, any comments anyone?

Carolyn

Claudemir Bonfim · 08-10-2005, 02:09 PM

As a result of camera distortion the waist and thighs are too small regarding the rest of the body. But that's beautiful anyway.

Carolyn Bannister · 08-13-2005, 03:32 PM

Thanks Claudemir,

The image is approx 18" x 22" and it looks like the distortion is accentuated by reducing the size.

I had noticed it and tried to compensate but i'm not sure where to reposition the edges, should i just make her wider at the back?

This photo just dosn't do the original justice either , i'm using MOH's notebook and am finding it very hard to see a good image on the LCD screen.

Carolyn.

Mike McCarty · 08-13-2005, 04:31 PM

Carolyn,

I think this has a lot of potential. I agree with the previous comments and would add this:

Your treatment of the window wall gives the illusion that the outside wall is about a half inch thick. This of course would not be the case. You might consider adding some additional relief in the form of another dimension of stucco or brick showing on the outside of the window on the right.

I might also provide a better distinction of light and dark where the wall appears to turn 90 degrees just above her head going vertical.

And, just one more thing, a bit more variation of tone or color between the world outside and the walls inside might serve you well. Maybe some obscure feature in the form of clouds or just random movement of the paint would suffice.

Carolyn Bannister · 08-13-2005, 05:35 PM

Mike,

Really helpful comments as always

The window has been bothering me, I had been toying with the idea of adding trees, branches or something. I don't want to spoil the 'feel' of this by making it too lively though.

Maybe this should be moved to WIP.

Carolyn.

Mike McCarty · 08-13-2005, 05:53 PM

Carolyn,

Maybe something as simple as this, just to break it up a bit ...

Claudemir Bonfim · 08-13-2005, 06:03 PM

Garth and Mike know a lot about photoshop, they can help much more than I can.
I only look at people and draw what I see.
There's a thread about it at http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?t=5510
Hope it helps.

Mike McCarty · 08-13-2005, 06:24 PM

Carolyn,

I think some of that below the belly button distortion can be remedied from the backside. I did a little modification in this area. I also tried to add some depth to your wall. My mouse is on strike and will not cooperate so I can't paint very well with it. I just wanted to see what it would look like with a little more thickness. I'm sure you could do a better job.

Lisa Ober · 08-13-2005, 09:00 PM

Hi Carloyn,

I love what you have so far. I am learning from the feedback you are receiving so I am so glad you posted. Personally, I love the way you have rendered the lighting on her face and her whole upper body looks natural to me. I like it very much.

Carolyn Bannister · 08-16-2005, 05:10 PM

Here's the updated version, have made some alterations but decided to not to make the actual window wider because it looked like a prison cell to me

The photo is quite good colour wise but still makes the painting look quite harsh/contrasty the original is much softer.

I think i've managed to keep the mood of the painting???

Carolyn.

ps i apologise, this photo leans the other way now