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Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng
Valentino,
Very nice portrait. I would love to know more about that raised fist! You can also see the "don't mess with me" message in his face. I think it is something about the look in his eyes and the upward curl of his upper lip.
On the technical side, I like the way you have simplified the colors and forms.
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There is not too much manouvering space when it comes to academic portraits, particularly when one opts for seated pose.
I did not want to repeat myself (though I have not done too many portraits, dozen or less) nor copying usual poses, so I opted for this one which - yes - might be better suited to some high ranking politician, but...well, I said to myself - why not?
So I adjusted the light, told my sitter to seat comfortable, tilt his body on the right side a bit (to avoid the stilted pose), and clench his fist but
not too tight . So, I tried nothing important to leave to a chance.
Pay attention to the thumb. When ones clench his/her fist in a (somewhat threatening) "power pose", the fist looks a bit different.
I am talking nuances here, but we understand body language pretty well, so in this way he gives impression of decisive, capable person (which he is), but I do not have impression that his expression conveys "don't mess with me" message.
I did simplified the colors and forms (thanks for the remark), changed the direction of the background shadow, and did some other minor adjustments in order to make composition stronger.
Linear Mode
