Little Punker

[Lacey Lewis]

Sometime during the fall last year, I took these pictures of my son with the idea that I'd like to do a portrait of him with this fun mohawk. I often rely so much on values that I have been a little shy to tackle these (oh, and most of them have quite a bit of expression). The courage to give it a shot may be creeping up on me, so I thought I'd fish for other opinions!

(I can't believe he's only 7, at the same time I can't believe he's already almost 8!)

[Kimberly Dow]

Lacey, he is adorable.

I personally wouldnt paint from these myself- his face in each is one value. Going to be impossible to show form it seems.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Lacey, I think I'll echo Kim (that makes us even, Kim) by saying that 1) he is a handsome kid, and 2) I wouldn't use these to paint from. Just enjoy them as photos, treasure the mohawk that way, and take some new reference photos with good light/shadow contrast. He'll make a great portrait subject. That's my 2 cents' worth!

[Lacey Lewis]

Thanks very much, ladies! You've just saved me a lot of time and evergy.

There are so many color/temperature shifts in there that it gets tempting at times! But, I know I'd just end up painting a rainbow face.

[Peter Yesis]

Lacey, here's my two cents.(That gives you six cents). take kim and Alex's advice, but don't stop there.

The first one has a Wyeth feel to me. use it as a base to sketch and compose. Try to capture the feelings you have about him at this stage in life. In addition sketch him live to help capture even more. Then when you have generated an idea for the final composition, That's when you take him and pose him with the lighting and pose already in your head.

You won't be sorry for the extra effort. I guess what I am trying to say is, don't waste the idea. Use it as inspiration to actually draw more out of your artistic soul. (Oh, and have fun along the way)

[Sharon Knettell]

Lacey,

An echo here. The plaid itself will kill you. It fights with the mini-macho image as well.

Lacey,
Congratulations on the reference photos. Perhaps you can so something nice with 'em. They are both backlit, though. Why not go for something more traditional, more form?
Keep Us Posted,
a.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Lacey hi, I hope you wont mind if I step up to the plate. (chig, ching my two cents)

I really like photo two and believe you can use this reference as a pastel rendition. You have what it takes, in my humble opinion, to create a treasured portrait using photo two.

Expression, form and the color in his face are beautiful. All spell a masterpiece.

The only thing that I would consider here is the cropping, background (in relation to complexion) shirt and size. I would most definitely think about a touch larger than life drawing of the head.

[Lacey Lewis]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mischa! I have been really looking for a way to get my son into an oil painting, though. Maybe it's an age thing, where I tend to see children fitting better with the medium of pastels, but I have yet to do an oil painting of him. And I think it that case I agree with others here (Hi and thanks!) and will try to find something with more traditional lighting.

I have a couple ideas... one is to paint him WB style. He has the long limbs, the alabaster complexion, and big eyes. My other idea was inspired by our trip to the local art museum. We went to the museum while he had the mohawk, but he insisted on wearing a suit and tie. I like the idea of doing a formal, traditional portrait but letting his quirky personality come through in a small way, like with his hairdo. I'll keep you posted on any attempts at new references!

[Mischa Milosevic]

Thank you Lacy, would love to see, listen and help if asked. I am of the opinion that a painting of a loved one is worth more than any commission. So, do your best and do not settle for second best.