Next portrait

[Alicia Kornick]

Dear Marvin,

I know what you are trying to say, I have combined elements before from different photos. I do understand anatomy very well. I have worked as a surgical assistant for over 30 years and the human body both inside and out is commom knowledge to me. I am working part time now for a plastic and reconstructive group of surgeons. We put faces back together after they have gone through windshields or have been smashed by steering wheels. Sounds gruesome I know, but I have seen some miraculous reconstructions.

Drawing I believe is basic to good art and have also repositioned arms etc. to make the pose work. I appreciate your work on Photoshop and do agree the elements from the two poses look much better. I love the way she is holding the book and her smile is perfect. Unfortunately, the mother (who had the last word on the portrait) just loved the photo of her standing in front of the hydrangeas and chose that one for a portrait. The mother likes her little pensive look and remarked that that is how she looks most of the time, rather like she is thinking about something.

I realize that we as portrait artists not only strive to paint a beautiful work of art, but must also please the customer commissioning the work. My gentle persuasion didn't work, she kept going back to the same photo. It's not bad, but I agree it is rather blah compared to some of the rest. I also have similar shots of her in front of the flowers smiling, but no go.

Thanks for your insight, I do appreciate the experience of all who replied. The years of experience and talent of the moderators and correspondents is truly invaluable to me and others like me striving to reach our goals.

Thanks,
Alicia