Drummer Boy

[Garth Herrick]

Here are a couple of fleeting evening twilight shots, much Photoshopped for color correction and cropping, that I thought could make an interesting simple portrait. The frame is pieced together from an online catalog sample from VERNAZ (?). There was only a corner, so I flipped it and joined it together. The client's home is full of stately dark oak paneling and fine gilt frames, hence this peculiar mockup. The virtual size here is 24 x 20 inches. I've already posted a pastel sketch derivation of this in Pastel Critiques. Thanks in advance for any input or recommendations. I'd probably blur out the paneled background.

Garth

[Mike McCarty]

Garth,

I think you chose the right expression and posture. However, I think I like drum positoned slightly ahead as in the first reference. The composition is not quite as linear (up and down) as in the second and gives a bit more negative space in front of the boys head.

My understanding is that you are working toward an oil painting.

Nice pastel.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Wow! Garth, this will be a beautiful portrait.

I agree with Mike as far as the drum composition. I prefer the simple background of the firs example but would consider some variation in value maybe temperature rather than value to suggest depth. The verticals in the second photo do work as well but do place the person in a particular setting. I prefer the first because it does not define the setting rather it allows for individual interpretation of a setting.

I like the pastel weary much and do think that it too deserves a frame as well.

Your clients will be well pleased and I am happy for you.

All the best to you and thank you for sharing this with us.

[Tom Edgerton]

Garth--

I'm with the other guys....I like the drum positioned more toward the corner, as in the first example.

Either expression, but depends on what kind of kid he is. The parents will probably like the one you picked better.

--T

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Tom Edgerton

Garth--

I'm with the other guys....I like the drum positioned more toward the corner, as in the first example.

Either expression, but depends on what kind of kid he is. The parents will probably like the one you picked better.

--T

Dear Mike, Mischa, and Tom,

Thanks for your valued insight! Another spoke up in a PM echoing the same sentiments. While your observations are totally valid, concuring, and merited, the clients have also spoken their wishes and vote over the past weekend.

Hopefully I will not rock the boat here too much, but they emphatically and unaminously chose the second photo above, and especially the look and spontaneity of the pastel cartoon. It best captures their son's stengths, qualities and personality in all his implied subtlety and complexity. they feel. The subject likes his representation best too in that image. That said, they do want the drum remaining where it is, but they also don't want a defined background. Can life for a portrait painter get any easier?

I do respect all your considered thoughts, but am also swayed by my client's insight and strong preference.

Best,

Garth

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Garth,
I have no doubts that you will turn out the best of it.
It's good to see that you dare and fancy to be loose and wander in the land of the unexpected.
I like both the references but can understand why the clients chose the one with the most pleasing expression ( they always do!)
However, I think that you could use some of the elements from the top one: the drum could be slightly more to the right, the body shape and values are better, clearer, on that one too.
It seems that you started this pastel on the big paper and added the strip later for space purposes.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Garth, I wish you could persuade your clients to move the drum to the right. When it is centered, the drumsticks look too much like they are sticking right out of (or into) the center of it. And the drumsticks are already centered on the boy's shirt. If you point this out, they might be agreeable. Aside from the position of the drum, I love it.

[Garth Herrick]

Hi Allan and Alex, and thanks for your sincere input.

I could argue that the present position of the drum perhaps affords a psychologically a truer portrait representation of this quiet kid. His parents as clients, think so too.......

Garth