Vic and her flute

Mike McCarty · 04-23-2003, 11:22 PM

I like this image. I haven't done a lot of calculating yet, but my initial plan is to paint this 24 x 36 oil. This would put the head at a bit over six inches, hmmm..., 48 would put it at eight inches, hmmm.

This image has been in my mind for some time and finally today I was able to get everything in one place. This was shot with Kodak portra 400 film at my new market studio digs. Mostly the light is from a large north window wall to her left. We had a very overcast day and the shutter speeds were so very long (some more than a second). Even with a tripod most of the images were not in good focus. There was a helper holding a reflector just to her right.

My plan is to get this painting started and then have Vic come and model the pose while I paint from life in this public forum.

My thinking is to paint the image with the flowers and swans (very subdued) but I question whether the far background objects should remain. What say you about this or any other aspects?

Mike McCarty · 04-23-2003, 11:25 PM

After shooting each full pose I try and zoom in quickly, altering the camera height slightly to keep perspective, and catch the face again.

Steven Sweeney · 04-24-2003, 05:09 AM

Mike,

I

Sharon Knettell · 04-24-2003, 08:08 AM

Mike,

I love the way you posed the figure. I do, however have to agree with Steven on the swans and you on the all over clutter as well.

Not to honk my own horn, but if you click on my website you will see a lady in a red dress with a huge bouquet of white roses. I think it works for two reasons, one; the all over color is shades of white, the roses are but another variation. I find when working with complex background using a monochromatic background really helps. If you check out Sargent's paintings he did this quite a lot. Also I have the flowers behind the lady in the OPPOSITE direction to where she is looking. Florals placed close to a face in the way you have done compete for attention with her face, also because they are relatively the same size. The florals would have worked better on the other side and slightly tucked.

The color; the red and red orange in the background make her skintones look quite leaden.

Sincerely,

Mike McCarty · 04-24-2003, 09:16 AM

I have just a little time this morning. Thanks Steven and Sharon, I'll try and respond better latter on.

My initial plan was to shoot this at the local Philbrook museum outside on the veranda with the big columns and archs receeding into the background. Then we have thunderstorms all the live long day. Now I have my beautiful Victoria in front of me for a couple of hours and rarin to go (no small task) with the dress I borrowed from another size 2 friend.

So we go indoors. The furniture is consignment and big. There were not a lot of options as far as placing her relative to the light.

This is the way life goes. You plan your best plan and then you modify for life. My thinking was if I got a good image of my model I might be able to rearrange the pieces.

Because of the flute widening the frame on our left I thought there might be to big a void above it, needing something like the flowers. I gotta run.

Sharon Knettell · 04-24-2003, 10:34 AM

Mike,

Move her slightly to our left, the mirror would be a good simple fill. The bouquet is too fussy, larger simpler shapes (ex. peonies) in a dark red or cerise (better) would work better.

A lovely subject, good possibilities in the present location with simple modifications.

Sincerely,

Mike McCarty · 04-24-2003, 08:39 PM

Here are a few other images from the shoot which better resolve the background but don't have the long flow of the first image above.

I really like the long pretty dress version which would make a nice bigger painting. I'll continue to try and resolve those background issues.

These other images are not bad but they don't have the same long feel that I get from the first. This first one comes closest and could take a larger size but is more chunky.

Mike McCarty · 04-24-2003, 08:43 PM

This "one hand" version has a certain appeal for me. I think I would loose the necklace in this one.

Mike McCarty · 04-24-2003, 08:47 PM

One more with her hair up. I have this one in a standing three quarter pose as well. It, however, has the same background issues as the first.

Valerie Gudorf · 04-24-2003, 09:23 PM

Mike,

Here's an opinion from a rank amateur: The first thing I thought when I saw the photo, was "oh lovely! But what's with the swans?" I agree with Steven that they must go. I like the way he simplified the space behind her head also. But I do like the flowers where they are. I think they augment the composition without stealing from the subject. That being said however, I'm not the most adamently confident in my own judgement. Sharon knows a lot better than I on everything artistic.

I am really taken with the photo of Victoria with her hair up. The eyes, which are of tantamount importance in most portraits, stand out better in this last photo and are far more expressive than in the first. Additonally, think the hair style flatters her jaw structure and facial lines. I also prefer the position of the flute in this last photo.

Oh yes, one last thing: I agree with Sharon (I'm sure she'll be so relieved---

) that your subject's skin tones look pasty next to the intensely warm background wall.

Cheers,
Val