Composition from 3 photos

Alicia Kornick · 08-22-2002, 08:19 PM

This was composed from three pictures in Photoshop. The color has been removed, which I think will help me with the tones in the underpainting. There is a little distortion in the drapery of the subject's left hand, but other than that, can anybody see anything else?

I would just like to get some feedback on the composition, etc.. I plan to do the portrait on linen, in oil, 24" x 36".

Thanks,

Alicia Kornick · 08-22-2002, 10:33 PM

And now for the picture.

Rebecca Willoughby · 08-25-2002, 09:51 PM

What a beautifully lit reference. I especially like the way her little fingers are delicatly holding her dress. By going back to your previous post that had pictures of this little girl I can see the coloring of the photo.

Wish it was mine! All of mine are usually outside. I will have to try one soon that is inside.

Very nice!

Rebecca

Alicia Kornick · 08-25-2002, 10:05 PM

Thanks, Rebecca.

I must apologize for the poor quality of this file. It is a Photoshop file and I didn't know how to convert it to what this Forum can accept.

What are your opinions on leaving the drapery out of the portrait? It will be 24 x 36 and I am thinking of a dark blue/black backgound, keeping the lighting, of course, but leaving out the actual drapery. Any thoughts?

Alicia

Administrator's Note: Image has since been corrected since this post.

Rebecca Willoughby · 08-25-2002, 10:41 PM

I think that I would leave them in. It looks as though she is looking through a window and I think that the drapery helps define that point.

Chocolate anyone?

Rebecca

Karin Wells · 08-25-2002, 10:53 PM

I really like the idea of your drapery, but you have some major design problems with it as is, starting with the vertical dark negative space that it creates from top to bottom on the right hand side of the picture. You also have an uninteresting repetition of shapes caused by the drapery folds.

Since you're obviously adept with Photoshop, perhaps you could experiment with another "drape shape" in the background that would enhance this charming little figure to better advantage.

Alicia Kornick · 08-25-2002, 11:07 PM

Thanks, Karin.

I'm not adept enough at Photoshop to create something that is not there. I think I'll make some sketches with, as you suggested, different shapes in the drapery. Maybe it could swoop back a bit. The black area to the right is there because I shifted the figure over. In the original photo the drapery goes to the edge.

Karin Wells · 08-25-2002, 11:37 PM

Ahhh...I also find it easier to simply pick up a pencil rather than diddling around with the computer.

I suggest that you look at the drapery some of the Old Masters tossed into their backgrounds. It should give you lots of inspiration.

Mike McCarty · 08-26-2002, 09:59 AM

I enjoy a good puzzle. I'm certainly no master at this, but here is a thought. I also like the drape. I think what might help is a horizontal element. Something shadowed and obscure.

Administrator's Note: At the time of this post, the image was very dark and none of the horizontal elements on the left could be seen.

Alicia Kornick · 08-26-2002, 03:56 PM

Thanks, Karin and Mike.

Backgrounds always drive me crazy. I'll sharpen the pencil and get out the drawing pad. I'll also hit the books for inspiration.

Thanks for taking a look.