Use of borders and type in portraits

Linda Nelson · 05-17-2004, 10:53 AM

To get the type on the painting I -

completed the painting without the type, then photographed the painting with my digital camera and downloaded the image into photoshop. I sized the image to fit the actual size of the painting. From there I wrote the type in sections ( each phrase separately) then arranged them around the painting for a general fit. Then I started experimenting with which type face I liked the best, as well as size and kerning, etc. I also played with the value to get an idea of how pronounced the type will be. Since I was working in the actual size of the painting, the type sizes were huge. When I had it all established, I printed out the copy in sections in simple black text on white paper. I used these to then arrange for real the type on the painting, taping the paper to the canvas. I used this step to rearrange the phrases on the canvas still, since the impression you get on the computer screen is different from when it's "for real". (If you do this, also keep in mind how much canvas will be covered by the eventual frame, as that will affect the type feeling too cramped or not next to it). Using carbon paper I traced the type onto the canvas. From there it's just a matter of painting the type as you want it, and in my case I varied each phrase in similar values or blue grays and brown grays, and as I mentioned, lightened or darkened the type to keep a value relation to the changing background the same.
It was pretty simple to do. Hope this helps!

Carol Morimoto · 05-17-2004, 11:16 AM

Thanks so much for your speedy reply. It was a huge help and I look forward to employing your method. In the past, I have played with using text on some paintings, but never with the professional result you have obtained. With your advice, I'm sure I'll do better in the future.

Carol

Linda Brandon · 05-17-2004, 08:06 PM

Here are two beautiful examples of borders, posted here by permission of SOG artist Paul McCormack:

Joan Breckwoldt · 05-17-2004, 09:20 PM

Thank you Linda for posting those fine examples of using a border. The border around the little boy 'makes sense' to my eye and is balanced and pleasing. The border on the painting with the girl however, being on just one side of the painting, gives the painting a certain dynamic feeling. Also pleasing but not 'calm', I find my eye bouncing back between the girls face and the border.

Which leads me to my question, what are some reasons for using a border (or type)? I think there should be more of a reason than just "I like borders so I put them in my paintings". What should borders or type accomplish? Type would most likely convey information, but what about borders?

Joan

Chris Saper · 05-20-2004, 11:37 PM

Dear Joan,

I can't speak for others, but I think there are two main purposes for borders, and in this order:

1. composition

2. content

When I compose a painting, I am rather compulsive about the negative spaces. The notion of having "extra" room , and using letters to balance it, is most appealing. Beyond that, I think that borders can serve a number of functions, both within and outside of the compositional context. The value, color, saturation, and placement make the notion of borders equal (in my view) to every other visual element.

Borders can stop, extend, or in many other ways add to what is already happening on the canvas. I think that they can be wondrous tools, all at every painter's command.

Joan Breckwoldt · 05-21-2004, 05:32 PM

Dear Chris,

Thank you for answering my question about some of the reasons for type and borders. Type is easier to understand, both placement and the reasons for type being in a portrait, I used to be a graphic designer so I'm comfortable with type. But borders . . . . those I find hard to truly understand. For one, I think a lot of borders would compete with the actual frame. Hmm, I am so intrigued by the idea of borders but I feel like I'm missing something. I think because they're very hard to do, that's probably why I can't picture borders successfully. As far as composition, I'm wondering why use a border when one could use a chair or doorframe in a portrait?

I obviously have a lot to learn in this department (as I do in many others!) so I think a trip to the library is in order to research this. I will post anything interesting I find. It may be a while, we're about to go on vacation.

Oh, and you've also got me thinking about interesting patterned backgrounds. This is fun, I really enjoy the 'design' part, though I guess in portraiture it's called 'composition'!

Joan