Girl in wicker chair

[Sharon Knettell]

Monique,

It is better. The composition is still akward if she is shifted so far to the left. Can't you rephoto the chair at that angle so you can get the arm and push the whole thing more to the right?

Cropping the chair like that does not, in my opinion, look very good.

[Monique McFarland]

Originally Posted by Sharon Knettell

Monique,

It is better. The composition is still akward if she is shifted so far to the left. Can't you rephoto the chair at that angle so you can get the arm and push the whole thing more to the right?

Cropping the chair like that does not, in my opinion, look very good.

You're right, ideally, the whole chair needs to be included....and would it even look better if it is a fraction of a smaller scale? where there is not so much empty space on the seat? I don't know if this will make her look too large in comparison, or if it will make the scale/composition look more pleasant? Yes, re-photographing the chair alone will help tremendously! You're right. Using, of course, the current version for shadows on the wicker from the child sitting on it.

Monique

[Alexandra Tyng]

Virginia, you may have finished this painting by now for all I know, but I just saw this so I'll put in my 2 cents. Is the client wedded to a white wicker chair? I think there is too much white, and a natural wicker would make the dress stand out more. If you have to re-photograph the chair, you could also replace it! Just a thought.

[Michele Rushworth]

I agree with the previous comments that the biggest problem is the flat lighting, especially on the face. I highly recommend reading through the photography sections of this website. Also there are some terrific, non technical books by a guy named Douglas Allen Box about photographing people by natural light.

[Chris Saper]

Hi Virginia,

My comments are probably moot since you have decided to go ahead and paint from this photo - I agree with Sharon. I have painted from problem photos like this in the past and have never been able to overcome the shortcomings of the resource material. Now I know not to try.

Suggestions for the future - it would be beter for the body to be oblique to the viewer than straight on - her body is at the broadest, most static angle that there is. I agree with your initial assessment the chair is too much for her, especially as her position way to one side of the seat makes her seem as if she thinks it is too.

There is no light/shadow information to let you make the face appear three-dimensional. As to worrying about appearing unprofessional, I think the professional thing would be to tell the client that you have been working out some compositional ideas/color studies, and that you wish to take additional photographs in order to support the painting in its most successful fashion.

In addition to not cutting off the chair, I think you need more room around the chair, perhaps some foliage in from of one side of it, in order to avoid the canvas feeling crowded.

Good luck!

[Cindy Procious]

Originally Posted by Chris Saper

As to worrying about appearing unprofessional, I think the professional thing would be to tell the client that you have been working out some compositional ideas/color studies, and that you wish to take additional photographs in order to support the painting in its most successful fashion.

EXCELLENT advice!!!

[Virginia Branch]

O.K. Here is the situation. I haven't started yet because I am waiting for the clients to measure the space where the painting will hang and get back with me on how much room I have. The client lives in Mississippi. I will be going back to their location this summer. Would it be professional of me to say I would like to take more photos then? The subject of the painting will be a year older. Suppose they can just say 'no' and go with the one I have or cancel all together. I really want to do a good job on this one because there is potential for more business. Ugh!

[Michele Rushworth]

Take new pictures, show them the old ones and the new ones and tell them which ones you think are better and why. Then let them decide.