New, Very Large Challenge

Alexandra Tyng · 07-19-2008, 08:14 AM

Carol, this is terribly exciting! It's all action and the size fits the subject. You must be having loads of fun with the brushes and paint!

My one caution would be to check the figure for distortion. It looks as though he is leaning toward the camera in the reference photo. (I am assuming this is from a photo.) Not only that, his right (farther away) arm is extended back in space. His legs, also, seem slightly foreshortened. His left (nearer) arm looks elongated. I would try to adjust these proportions.

This is going to be terrific!

Carol Norton · 07-19-2008, 08:55 AM

Alexandra, thank your for all your suggestions. The painting has been delivered as the man in front of the canvas with me drove to Arizona from California to take it home last weekend. The photo reference was one of those TINY 2 inch figures plus a photo that I had taken of his head, so right you are - distortions abounded.

The next painting for this gentleman is also a 40 x 60, but a collage featuring him in a fire suit surrounded with his race cars and race track atmosphere, such as grandstands or whatever fits the design. Proportion logical to the design is difficult right at this stage. Have been playing with shapes, moving them around, etc. At least the figure is facing forward, making it difficult to distort as there isn't much action there.

Thank you for all your perceptions. I will print them out and be aware of them in this next one.

Linda Brandon · 08-01-2008, 11:32 AM

Carol, I just spotted this - I love the fresh and expressive brushwork in this painting. Working large should end up as your new direction!

Carol Norton · 08-01-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

Working large should end up as your new direction!

Thanks A LOT, Linda! (That's my sarcastic sense of humor showing!) The newest, latest same size ( 40 x 60 ) commission is an even LARGER challenge. The painting is to contain the same man, dressed in a fire suit and include some special race cars (yes, and a dog) all composed into a collage. Arghhhhhh! Any suggestions for compositions would be greatly appreciated. Jamie Lee McMahan's site has been helpful as he has a lovely (post humous) painting that is very effective. I have multiple photos to select from, which is helpful, but I am just looking for examples of strong designs for ideas. I love challenges.....but.........