Mrs. D.

Denise Hall · 12-24-2004, 11:33 PM

Linda,

It really does help to hear from someone else who has painted "older" (I feel like soon I'll be one of those!!) women and come across the same problems. I find myself still trying to paint the person exactly as they look - but also trying to capture their spirit as well, as we all strive to do.

This time I feel the face and expression truly is this woman and I should soften the neck - the juxtaposition of the body really did cause this and if the face had not looked so nice in the light - I would not have used this shot. I only had a few shots though to choose from. It's a fine line when decided when to use "artistic license" and I think it's very easy to overdo it if not careful. I look forward to working on this after the weekend and getting back here with an update picture.

Again, I truly appreciate your taking the time to respond and also to everyone here, have a blessed and beautiful holiday.

Denise

Michele Rushworth · 12-25-2004, 09:54 AM

Women of a certain age look best when photographed in fairly flat light. That is, with the light very nearly from the same angle as the camera. That eliminates the dramatic shadows across aging forms like neck muscles and wrinkles.

Just as a general rule of thumb: if there are any features you want to accentuate, set up the light so it is going across that form from one side. If there are any features you want to minimize, set up the light so it is directly aimed at that form from the front, or put that form in the shadows. This goes for necks that aren't as young as they used to be, double chins, big noses, wrinkles, etc.

Elizabeth Schott · 12-26-2004, 04:56 PM

Denise older people in general are so much fun to paint simply because there is so much more life to capture!

You really did this well!

Now where are those new digital images with your big Santa gift? (I hope, I hope!)

Denise Hall · 12-27-2004, 09:48 AM

Beth and all,

Santa really did bring a digital camera to me and I still cannot believe it! I'm snowed out of my hometown-Greenville - no snow here in this part of NC (Burlington) so I can't get home to take new pictures of this painting or any other for that matter! We are going today because the temperature may rise enough to melt the slush/ice on the road from last night.

O.K., let's get to the details of my new camera! Beth, you brought me good luck! It is a Nikon Coolpix 8700, obviously 8 megapixels so I am a happy camper! I love the small frame and the handle of it - and have only been able to take Christmas pictures of the family so far. I have a lot to learn about this camera and cannot wait to learn.

Anyone reading this who has a camera like this, knows about this camera or anything else wonderful and helpful - I am open for emailing. Also, thanks to this forum - I will be checking all threads concerning digitals.

Again, thanks to Michelle and all the rest of you who have given me such valuable advice concerning this painting and painting older women - I need it!! I have another commission coming up with someone older than me!

Sincerely,

Denise

Denise Hall · 12-31-2004, 10:39 PM

Hello everyone,

I wanted to post the actual photograph of Mrs. D. as well as upgrade the photograph of this painting and hope this is the right thing to do (rather than totally replace the first image I posted?) I used my new digital camera to take this picture.

I have not had time to work on improvements to the painting because I needed to start painting a commission during my time off work over the holiday. I hope seeing the photo helps in relation to reference.

I will still post an update when I work on the improvements.

Thank you,

Denise