Which one?

Kimberly Dow · 05-13-2005, 10:14 AM

I am really pleased with a photo shoot I had yesterday. I think there are at least 30 I could paint for figuratives. I'm going to post just a few of my favorites.... which one/s do you all think would make a better painting?

Kimberly Dow · 05-13-2005, 10:20 AM

Here are a couple more that are 'different' - I am not sure anyone else would appreciate them, but I like them.

Richard Monro · 05-13-2005, 12:17 PM

Kim,
#3 is my favorite. There is a beautiful golden glow to her skin and the red chair is a very interesting accent, though I would tone down the chroma a little in the painting. # 1 is a close second, but the lighting on the figure is a little flat. Where did you get such a lovely model?

Kimberly Dow · 05-13-2005, 02:30 PM

Thanks Richard for your input. I've got several that are the same as #1, but they get the entire body. I just like too many of them and want to paint at least 4-5. I just always feel like I shouldnt use the same costume/model over and over again. I should have had her change when we switched locations.

I got this lovely girl here in my small town. I've used maybe 7 of the local girls this past year, ages 13-18. They sure do grow them pretty here. I missed this girl until my 8-year-old son told me about her. She is the daughter of his teacher and goes into the classroom to help a lot. I was very dubious of my youngest....not sure I trusted his taste - but turns out he has a good eye for the pretty girls as well. I think she is his first real crush. He gave her his 2 favorite chickens for her birthday the other day. Young love....

Chris Saper · 05-15-2005, 11:37 PM

Dear Kim ,

I agree with Richard. Completely. Nonetheless, there are other themes I think you should contiinue to explore because you are so well poised to do so.

Do you have Burt Silverman's "Sight & Insight"? If so, check out his nude on the highway, "T-Junction, Route 52", which is on page 122. I am way too tired tonight to scan and post ( I don't think he would mind), but you'll see how beautifully he has handled the background/values, setting the figure against a darker backdrop. I am a bit out of pocket for the week, but will try to post this amazing painting when I get a chance. I LOVE your vision of the costumed hitchhiker, which produces, at least for me, a tremendous wealth of narrative.

Chris Saper · 05-15-2005, 11:46 PM

There is also something about #2, that I think y ou might continue to explore in your next photo session.

Compositionally, (well, to me), all those low parallel horizontals are kind of psychologically lowering and leveling, and sort of cry out for some dynamic relief. Diagonal elements. The postiion of the maximally foreshortend legs, sitting exactly under the torso, contribute to what is a bit of a static composition. The obvious solution would be to place the legs at an angle, but I really like the strange tension they establish.

I think you might consider rephotographing, creating some directionality (is this a word?) with a strong diagonal light direction, with movement reinforced through other background elements. I don't know what they might be, maybe a diagonally cast shadow of something out of the picture plane, diagonal set stones,something to that effect .

You are really doing great work.

Kimberly Dow · 05-15-2005, 11:51 PM

Thanks Chris!

Yes - when you get a chance please do scan and post that as I don't have the book. No hurry though. Unfortunatly I am only here 5 more days - so I may not have any more shoots here - but I already have some models lined up in my new city. And the costume is mine thanks to eBay. I'm glad someone liked that idea. My daughter was along and thought I was crazy.