Couple - Posthumous

Julianne Lowman · 03-15-2003, 03:19 PM

Here is another posthumous portrait. The dear husband commissioned this portrait of his wife who passed away 5 years ago, whom he completely adored.

This was also painted exclusively from a copy of a copy of a blown up snapshot. Ugh!

Her hair does indeed have a tuft of grey in the back (no, I didn't make that up).

Because her face was so blown away by the flash, I was concerned about the pastiness of her complexion.

Steven Sweeney · 03-20-2003, 08:03 AM

Well, let

Julianne Lowman · 03-20-2003, 10:10 AM

Your comments and observations are, as usual, right on. I never noticed the "two elbows", and luckily, neither did the patron. (WHEW!) All other points are issues I had with the original photo. The background I just made up because there was paneling in the background of the original.

I find it difficult to adjust the values in a "flash" reference photo. It seems all my references disappear into oblivion when it comes to snapshots taken with a generic flash. How do you overcome this (other than saying "No" to commissions with bad photos)? I have such a soft spot for posthumous portrait commissions, that I'm willing to take whatever the client has and consider it a challenge to make it work.

The hands were the last thing I completed on this and I must confess, I spent VERY little time on them. When I spend more than a 10 hours on a portrait or any piece of work, I tend to want to "get it done" so I can move on to bigger and better things. Hmmm. That may be why I work predominantly in pastels. I'll have to work on my patience issues later.

I totally agree with all of your points. It's amazing how another set of eyes can help you to see your work in a different light. I am grateful you've posted comments and constructive criticism. Since the client has already paid for and picked up the portrait, I will endeavor to pay more attention to structural and skeletal shapes and perspectives in the future.

When the man in the photo picked up the portrait on Monday, he cried. That's such a bonus in this business! Money goes the way of the world, but gratitude seems to be the fuel for my passion.

I've only been painting for 3 years. I'm still SUCH an amateur, which is evident in my lack of training in anatomy and many other basics. I'm working to change that.