Sandy--need some input

[Terri Ficenec]

Hi Lisa--
Congratulations on this terrific opportunity. I'll throw in my 2 cents on your questions. . . but I'm very interested to hear what thoughts others may have as well! I like the amount of shoulders you're showing, I like the vignette concept. . . but the fairly sharp solid 'fade' at the lower margins conveys a 'floating' sense to me. Vignettes that sort of dissolve to lines that fade better convey a sense that the body continues. Not sure if I'm expressing that well, but Marvin's 'Samantha' would be an example.

You didn't say whether these portraits would be going to different homes (being given to the award recipients) or hanging as a group. If they're going to different homes I'd say definitely treat them independently, color wise, etc. I'm thinking that'd be more interesting for the whole group hanging together, as well, and make them more visually interesting to look at. Assuming the scale and size of the portraits is consistent, your style will tie them together anyway.

As far as getting approval from the individual women, I think that'd probably be a good idea (if you can manage it in that time frame!) Especially as it sounds like some of these images might be shown in the press and if the women are more mature as the one your showing, they may have features they'd rather have de-emphasized. For instance, on the woman above, you might de-emphasize some of the wrinkles just above and below her mouth... and maybe soften the folds on her neck? without loosing a sense of her age. . . and she might more like to see herself portrayed that way? (I will admit, I'm in the flatter your subject camp most of the time )

Anyway... This is beautiful!
Good Luck!

[Lisa Ober]

Terri, thank you so much for responding.

First, I know what you mean about carrying the lines of the body a bit more but I can honestly say I don't know how to do it and more specifically if it would fit with the style. Do you think it woud fit? I guess what I mean by that is that in general, my style tends to lean toward a finished look from top to bottom and the background is actually painted in (it's not the ground of the board). I should try that in Photoshop and see what it looks like but I tend to agree it might give it a more artistic feel.

Originally Posted by Terri Ficenec

Hi Lisa--

You didn't say whether these portraits would be going to different homes (being given to the award recipients) or hanging as a group. If they're going to different homes I'd say definitely treat them independently, color wise, etc. I'm thinking that'd be more interesting for the whole group hanging together, as well, and make them more visually interesting to look at. Assuming the scale and size of the portraits is consistent, your style will tie them together anyway.

Initially they will all be on display together and likely will be right next to each other. They will be the same size and scale and will probably be in the same frames. The recipients will take them home after the luncheon. I like the idea about varying the colors by treating them independently. I think that would make them more fun to see.

Originally Posted by Terri Ficenec

For instance, on the woman above, you might de-emphasize some of the wrinkles just above and below her mouth... and maybe soften the folds on her neck?

I realize it doesn't seem like it but I assure you I softened her neck about 80% already and about 40% on her mouth. I think I will revisit the mouth though. It does seem a little too detailed.

Great advice on all the questions I had. Thank you so much for taking the time. I am also anxious to hear what other people might think. It must be obvious I am a little stressed about this batch. It's a pretty big deal for me.