Mardi Gras gal

[Mike McCarty]

I thought it might be a good idea to critique this photo that was posted under another topic.

[Mike McCarty]

Enzie writes:

Dear Mike,

I have to say she looks like fun, but I wonder about the large lit area of her neck. It might create a real nightmare for you unless you are good at reconstructive surgery!

Enzie,

I don't think I would try and change her chin/neck except to de-emphasize it with color and value. There may be a better angle for her but it's going to be there either way. From this photo I might try something like the following ...

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Mike,

I guess you do know how to do reconstructive surgery! If you can pull this off I think it will make for a fun portrait. Good Luck! Keep us posted on your progress.

[Leslie Ficcaglia]

That softens the neck but also reads oddly because it's obvious that the neck should be on the same plane as the check but the lighting is different. Maybe you could go back and photograph her again in better lighting? The pose and costume are great so it would make a terrific painting otherwise.

[Mike McCarty]

This was a candid photo taken at a party that was taking place next to my new studio. I gave her an 8x10 as a birthday gift.

I am always on the lookout for photo ops. I didn't even know this lady's name. I have lots of these saved images that I draw on from time to time when things get slow.

I did the darkening of her neck very quickly in photo shop. I think you could work with the colors and values and make something work here. If I ever try to paint this I think I would try my best to juice it up with reckless brush strokes in keeping with this lady's obvious flare. This might help the neck situation as well.

[Michele Rushworth]

Mike, you mentioned you didn't know this gal's name. I'm guessing then that you probably don't have her written permission to use her image or to paint her either, only verbal permission.

Just a word of caution: artists should always get model's releases signed, even from the folks we photograph casually. Otherwise we don't have the legal right to paint their image, exhibit it publicly, or post it on the web.

It's unlikely that you'd be sued but if this fine lady, or anyone else you photograph, decides later they don't like the painting or don't like having their image shown, either in your public studio or on the web, they could get unpleasant about it.

I carry a few short and simple model's release forms around, tucked in with my camera. I always get the subject (or their parent if it's a kid) to sign one whenever I photograph someone I might paint later. Better safe than sorry.

Using model's releases also shows the subject that we consider ourselves to be professional. It can help them feel better about being asked to pose for photos by some stranger on the street!

[Mike McCarty]

Michele,

I have since learned that her name is Susan and she is just as much of a hoot as her photo might indicate. She works at the Windsor Market where I have set up my studio. I don't really have any plans to paint her but do see her most days and should get that paper work done.

Thanks for reminding me of these other-side-of-the-brain details. I have been too casual about these things in the past and need to shape up.

[Mari DeRuntz]

I hope Big Bird is doing alright after the collision with her shoulder.