President Judge

[Garth Herrick]

Here's a current commission, being narrowed down to the ideal pose and crop. Never mind the background as it will change. The frame is borrowed from the Union League portrait because it happens to fit the same 40 x 30 inch size. It will likely be different too, but is represented here for visualization purposes.

Essentially I am looking for a comfortable, friendly portrait pose for a large courtroom. In these images, my radiant subject will be between 90% and 95% full scale. I don't want to make her appear too diminuitive, as she is of some importance. I also don't want her to be crowded into the frame at full scale. The canvas size is already a given.

The difference is subtle here, but in the top two images the photo is the same except for scale and crop. One is optimised for making her less small, and the other one makes her seem taller, with more surrounding space.

The next two are perhaps friendlier with hand positions she may prefer.

If any wish to discern and pick apart the subtleties here, please add to the discussion. I welcome all thoughts regarding these choices.

Thanks.

Garth

[Mike McCarty]

Garth,

My impressions are these:

I prefer the body language of the first images as opposed to the more straight on of the last.

As far as the scale - as you say the differences are subtle in the first two. However, each seem like they could use a little more space between the subject and the frame. Lately I've become a fan of giving more space around the subject. I think it imparts more importance to the subject.

I prefer the hands in the last image. the hands in the first images are not bad. I don't care for the hands in the third

I think my home run would be the first image with the fourth hands giving a bit more room to the edges.

By now you must have as many judges in your pocket as Vito Corleone.

[Garth Herrick]

Thanks Mike!

Valid impressions, all of them. I tend to concur about space denoting importance.

This is number eight or nine, depending on what's being counted.

Garth

[Alexandra Tyng]

Garth, I just saw this. She looks like a formidable judge, but a nice person to paint.

I would concur with Mike exactly. Her expression is much more natural and pleasant in images #1 and #2. A bit of space around her would look generous. And I like the hands in # 4 best.

The rosy color in her cheek and lips is good. I want to also suggest that you increase the coolness of the shine in her skin (to a rose-violet?) to contrast with the golden brown tones in her skin. There is so much brown in the woodwork, I think this would make her face come alive. Of course she is already alive--never mind!

[Tammy Moore]

I think the way she is leaning in 3 looks like she is more relaxed and comfortable, but her judges robe is cooperating better in 4 making her look slimmer and taller. Perhaps a mix of the two?

[Garth Herrick]

Thanks Alex, I wish I could add more space without making her too small for the wall. It's all a compromise of sorts.

Originally Posted by Tammy Moore

I think the way she is leaning in 3 looks like she is more relaxed and comfortable, but her judges robe is cooperating better in 4 making her look slimmer and taller. Perhaps a mix of the two?

Thanks Tammy, I have always liked #3 very much for those same reasons, so thanks for your vote. Actuallly 3 is chronolgically ahead of 1 / 2; even fresher and more relaxed, perhaps. 4 is the last of this selection. Sorry for any confusion.

Garth