Please critique child portrait

Barbara Moquin · 08-24-2002, 08:05 PM

This is a 11" x 14" portrait called Ruby and was done in Genesis Paint. It is of my 4 year old active niece. I am an aspiring Portrait Painter and a Critique would be most helpful to me. Thank you.

Karin Wells · 08-24-2002, 10:56 PM

I'm glad to see that you've posted your portrait of Ruby and I think that you've done a verrrry good job of it. This is really nice work and you've obviously got a LOT of talent. Could you also post a detail of her face?

Did you enjoy working in Genesis as opposed to traditional oil paint?

Barbara Moquin · 08-25-2002, 10:49 AM

Thank you, Karin.

Here is a close-up of her face.

I really enjoy the consistency of Genesis; actually it is a lot of fun to work with. One great feature is the convenient drying time since it is heat set. I can dry it in 15 minutes in my oven.

Linda Ciallelo · 08-25-2002, 07:23 PM

This is charming. What is "Genesis" paint? What kind of suface are you painting on? Her face is delightful.

Administrator's note: there are quite a number of posts available on the Forum regarding the Genesis paint system - the index is here http://forum.portraitartist.com/sear...der=descending

Barbara Moquin · 08-25-2002, 07:37 PM

Thank you, Linda.

It is on a prestretched canvas on a wood frame. This is my first attempt at using Genesis. It is a paint that never drys, even on your palette, unless you heat it. There is no waste or fumes and it cleans up with alcohol. By heating it at 275 degrees for 15 minutes, your painting is completely dry and you can contine on your work. There is a book you can get to mix Genesis colors that match oil colors you maybe using and used to.

Jeanine Jackson · 08-27-2002, 04:42 PM

This is charming! Genesis paints sound interesting.

My only comment is that the figure seems to be painted mostly in the middle to high value range. I would like to see some darks and shadow patterns connecting the figure to the background.

How brave you are to paint that pattern on her dress!

Barbara Moquin · 08-28-2002, 09:57 PM

Thank you, Jeanine.

I will need to do work on the area that meets the dark background. I appreciate your pointing it out.

Rebecca Willoughby · 08-29-2002, 12:16 AM

Barbara,

I agree with Jeanine. I think it needs darker values. The pupils of the eyes, the shadowed section of her neck under her hair, etc..

I hope you don't mind. I've run it through Photoshop and created some darker values. It is a darling painting of a precious little girl. Can you post a reference photo? The pattern of her dress is wonderfully rendered.

Rebecca

Jeanine Jackson · 08-29-2002, 12:22 AM

I apologize for not explaining myself clearly. Here's another try:

I was referring to darkening areas of shadow within the figure, e.g. the child's neck as it turns back, eyes, shadows in creases, etc. to "connect" the subject visually to the background in terms of composition.

Find a way to weave some darks into the figure, if you will, like a light center medallion within a dark blue Persian rug.

There is no clear-cut source of light on your subject, so dark modeling features would be too tricky, and I would always discourage outlining. Especially since the light and softness of your edges against the dark background create a halation effect that adds to the charm of this lovely painting.

There are other solutions here, such as making the background lighter in some areas, but you risk disturbing the strength of that vast calming expanse surrounding her.

My vote would be for a few darks on the figure.

Jeanine Jackson · 08-29-2002, 12:23 AM

Thank you, Rebecca!