Posthumous Portraits

Mary Sparrow · 06-13-2004, 10:16 AM

Hi Garth,

I have not recieved any pictures directly from the family yet, I just saw a memorial page to her and this picture smacked me in the face.

I hadn't even considered doing the whole image, I was just thinking of a head and shoulders. Based on your work that I have seen, it doesn't surprise me that you see this the way you do. The person beside her isn't her sister, but her mother.

So, you would do the whole thing, even the pool?

Garth Herrick · 06-13-2004, 11:13 AM

The horizontal format is interesting, and the pool adds a context, but there is no need to be very specific about it. Maybe everything behind the girl could be a little less focused than she is. I just liked the way there's a ready-made context for her pose. I like the way her mother frames her, it is very supportive. The bright pool in the distance explains the intimate enveloping shadow that the girl peers out from.

An historic painter who might have handled this challenging lighting masterfully was Joaquin Sorolla, a Spanish contemporary of Sargent and Zorn. Wow, could he paint people in and out of the bright sun on the beach! He's worth a look for inspiration.

Garth

Marvin Mattelson · 06-13-2004, 12:03 PM

I think your intentions are very noble and I respect you for that, but personally, I wouldn't consider doing a painting from this photo.

Mary Sparrow · 06-13-2004, 12:07 PM

AH, this is very interesting to me. I respect both of you very much. I will say that it doesn't surprise me that Garth likes this one and Marvin doesn't.

Julianne Lowman · 07-13-2004, 12:16 AM

So, what photo did you choose?

I have done several posthumous portraits and find themthe most rewarding of all portraiture. They truly require almost a direct conduit to heaven which, if you are in the proper frame of mind, will pour out inspiration and talent beyond your wildest imagination. That said, you will KNOW the photo reference when you see it. It may be a composition of several, but be careful not toget into the "cut and paste" world. This causes many, many problems.

Keep us posted as to your progress.

Hugs from Alabama!