Grandchild Maria

Bob Botha · 05-12-2008, 02:33 PM

I have had a request to paint my grandchild Maria, but since she lives in Tennessee, I was not able to take reference photos myself, so after some coaching by phone and e-mail , my son took a batch of photos and sent them to me. As I sifted through them, this one jumped out at me! I know it has some challenging areas, like the colors and values in the shadow side of the face and the large solid mass of hair, but I really like the composition and think it's worth giving it a try. Before starting, I would appreciate any comments about the composition, problem areas or anything I should be aware of. Thanks so much.

Bob Botha · 05-13-2008, 06:38 PM

Anyone?

Mike McCarty · 05-13-2008, 09:06 PM

Bob,

I think that's a pretty good image. Everyone should be so lucky to have received such a shot under these circumstances.

My only comment would be regarding the temperature of the skin. It seems a little hot. This, however, is no step for a skin painter, it's the design we struggle for.

Best of luck,

Anybody Mike

Bob Botha · 05-13-2008, 10:26 PM

Thanks for responding , Mike, yes, out of about 30 pictures, which were not the best regarding lighting, mainly. this one literally jumped out at me, so I guess I was lucky! Nonetheless, that warm shadow area is going to be a challenge! I think the lighting in your guitar girl photos is much better! The grass is always greener.....

Marina Dieul · 05-14-2008, 08:29 AM

Bob,
be careful with the overexposed areas : in real life eyes wouldn't see the shirt completely white and without detail in the sun. On her face, you have to check if there are overexposed areas too,( the side of the nose, the cheek) your photo is too small that I can tell...

Bob Botha · 05-14-2008, 09:25 AM

Thank you, Marina for the advice. I'll make sure that I tone down the light areas and give them some color. The lighting on all the photos I received was rather harsh, this was one of the better ones! I do like the composition, though.

Mischa Milosevic · 05-15-2008, 04:02 AM

Bob, I have fiddled just a touch with the one you have posted but could not do much bring that it is small and it seems you have worked on the background. If you like, send me the original image, I could try to adjust it to where it would look natural and maybe give some crop suggestions.

All the best

Bob Botha · 05-15-2008, 11:06 AM

Mischa, thank you so much for taking the time to improve my photo! I have also been reworking it and this is what I have done. Do you have any suggestions, or, is it best that I send you the original reference photo? I don't wish to take up too much of your time!

Bob Botha · 05-16-2008, 08:44 PM

Mischa e-mailed me with a most gracious offer to help with my photo if I sent him the original copy, which I, of course did! He soon returned it to me, with the improvements shown here. I just want to say how appreciative I am of Mischa's advice and how privileged I feel to belong to this group! I hope in the future that I can be of service, too. I can't wait to get started on this painting now!