Portrait of a Missionary

Julianne Lowman · 12-16-2002, 06:46 PM

This portrait in pastel is 12x17 on light grey mi-teintes (smooth side). The reference photo was shot (sorry, I don't have it posted) by a window, hence the very bright highlight. This young man is a missionary, so I made the background rather heavenly. It looks great close up and in person, but from far away, it looks weird. This tells me the values are off. Suggestions are very welcome. Praise is worthy of payment.

Linda Ciallelo · 12-16-2002, 07:35 PM

Once again I think this is fine. Like the other one you posted, I can't really find fault. These two portraits seem to fullfil the intent. They look like missionary portraits. I think the client should be pleased.

If I were going to criticize, I would say "They look like missionary portraits".

Michele Rushworth · 12-17-2002, 11:20 AM

I do feel that the skintone in both portraits is much too yellow and unnatural looking. Otherwise, they're very nice. I like the peaceful and optimistic expressions which suits the subject matter perfectly.

Nathan Cremer · 12-17-2002, 11:31 AM

I think both of these are excellent portraits. Very well done. They do have some warm/cool issues with the shadow side of the face. I have seen the thread you posted acknowledging that. I don't think I can tell you the exact color to add, but if you're afraid of muddying it with the complement, I would maybe try that purple you used in the clouds/background. But, let some of those warm areas shine through. And, I would make the reflected light a different hue than the highlight.

Also, I think there's an issue with a couple other things with this one. His right eye (our left) seems a little mishapen at the bottom. I would take a closer look at your reference. Regarding the dark shadow under his chin, I'm not sure if it's a shadow or facial hair. I think it's an issue of both hue and value. If it's a shadow, I would match it closer to the rest of the shadow areas in the face. There is a white line that defines the jawline. I would simply darken that ever so slightly. The hair, I think, needs some lighter highlights where you have those yellow streaks.

Once again, I think these are great portraits. The only comment I have with the other one would be the skin tone. The suits were done wonderfully in both of these.