Claudia's portrait sadly neglected

Rachel Mauger · 10-05-2003, 09:08 PM

I put this portrait of my daughter aside two+ years ago. I have never been able to finish it. I suppose without a client breathing down my neck there has been little motivation to see my way clear through the problems.

I don't know where to start, but I do want to finish it. The colour is a little more diffused in the original, but that is the least of its problems.

I am convinvced it is redeemable but would like some direction as to how and where.

Thanks

(Pastel on watercolour paper,
approx. 900 x 1200 cm)

Cynthia Daniel · 10-06-2003, 02:15 PM

As well as the overview of the painting, a closeup would help other members to evaluate the situation. It also appears from the image you posted that your jpg compression is too high, which renders less clarity.

Michele Rushworth · 10-06-2003, 10:34 PM

Rachel, could you also post your reference photo?

I'm not sure I understand your dimensions. Could you let us know in centimeters or inches what the size is? Thanks!

Rachel Mauger · 10-07-2003, 03:33 AM

I had meant to post a while ago but since then have moved and had a baby. All my detail and reference photos are missing. I will print out fresh versions and post the requested images.

I suddenly got the nerve to post and went ahead before I chickened out like I had so many times before. I didn't stop to think about the fact that without all the right info no one was going to be able to suggest much.

To answer the question about dimensions:
1.2m x 90cm.

I guess one improves with each post.

Rachel Mauger · 10-07-2003, 04:21 AM

This is the reference photo. I took hundreds and just kept clicking away 'til the right ones came along. I didn't choose the pose or the clothes. I put the chair next to the window for light and Claudia grabbed a book and sat up on the chair to 'read'. I photographed as she 'read'.

She was very used to being photographed so was quite relaxed and natural in front of the camera.

Rachel Mauger · 10-07-2003, 05:17 AM

This is not the best quality but the best I could muster on short notice.
As I said next time I post I will be ready with everything the first time round. Thankyou for your patience.

Michele Rushworth · 10-07-2003, 11:44 AM

My first thought is it's too bad her face is so obscured by the pacifier, book, hand etc.

The book seems out of perspective. It looks as if the upper right corner is out too far.

Can you post detail photos of her face (reference and photo) or were those among the things that got misplaced?

Steven Sweeney · 10-08-2003, 08:35 AM

G

Steven Sweeney · 10-08-2003, 09:52 AM

Quote:

I had meant to post a while ago but since then have moved and had a baby.

Those are, incidentally, much better excuses -- at least one of them -- than I can muster for not getting work done.

Linda Brandon · 10-08-2003, 10:57 AM

Hi Rachel,

As always, Steven has made several excellent and perceptive comments. I also like the triangular composition very much. Just wanted to add that your daughter's foot looks distorted by the photograph, i.e. too large compared to what is happening in "real life". You were probably too close to the chair when you took the photo. If you physically measure her foot against, say, her hand, you'll get a better idea about correcting the size of the foot. Even though she's older now she should still have the same porportions. (I think so; okay, so I'm not sure about this.)

I also wanted to add that an Aussie friend brought me a bag of Darrell Lea Soft Licorice over the weekend. I see I've just eaten 500g of a product containing "treacle", just what is that, really?