Christy Talbott's drawing children from life

[Chris Saper]

Or maybe I'll offer to do some for a drastically reduced rate so that I can gain experience

Christy, Please don't do this. There is nothing wrong with doing any number of studies from life, and nothing wrong with the practice of getting sitters. I would really encourage [you U]not [/U] to sell something that you feel will be less than your best. Give the studies to your models, or donate them to an auction, or throw them away. I know that in five years, you would just hate to see less-than-your best-work out there

[Christy Talbott]

Chris, You're right; I wouldn't like to give a painting to anyone to hang on their wall that I didn't like myself. I was just thinking I'd have a lot of potential models that I wouldn't need to pay for! I would tell them that my purpose in doing this is for practice and that I'd only sell (at a very reduced rate) a portrait that I feel is worthy of hanging. That would be okay, don't you think?

[Alexandra Tyng]

Christy, I think that idea is okay in general, but you're sounding a little apologetic and even self-deprecating. I would NOT let that come across to clients. Instead, practice saying that you prefer to do studies from life to familiarize yourself with the actual colors as well as with the features and structure of the head. Emphasize that you are not trying to get an exact likeness. Then you are off the hook if you do--which will start to happen more and more often.

I do this as often as possible (whenever a client agrees to it) because it really is a valuable resource. I put it next to my photographic references, and use it for color information, and also to remind myself of the brushstrokes that came naturally when I was face to face with the person.

I just want to add that we all could use a break from the relentless focus on the product in this profession. To devote time to the process is just as important.

[Chris Saper]

Alex,

Brava.

[Christy Talbott]

Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng

practice saying that you prefer to do studies from life to familiarize yourself with the actual colors as well as with the features and structure of the head. Emphasize that you are not trying to get an exact likeness.

Thank you for the good advice Alexandra and Chris too. I sincerely appreciate it. And I will have to practice saying that...

[Linda Brandon]

Christy, regardless of what happened at the sitting, I am really proud of you for doing this. Remember, it is pretty uncommon (at least in the USA) for artists to do commissioned portraits from life. Most of the artists I know who use live subjects for sittings use either family members or paid models for their figurative work.

Portrait clients do not care how you get there, they want an accurate likeness which meets their approval. It's hard to blame them for that, especially when large sums of money are involved.

I think one of the best ways to get free sitters is to trade off with another artist - he/she sits for twenty minutes, then you do.

In the meantime, you can draw objects from life to keep yourself in shape. I highly recommend my friend Paul Foxton's website, www.learning-to-see.co.uk . He taught himself how to work from life and is very articulate and generous with his ideas and methods. I think it's one of the best sites on the internet.

[Christy Talbott]

Linda, I am familiar with Paul's work but hadn't looked at his site. His work is phenomenal; it's now bookmarked, thank you! I'll be checking it regularly.

I'd love to do the trade off thing with other artists but really don't know any near me. I did do this quick oil sketch over month ago with my cousin from life who is an artist. I was visiting him in Pittsburgh. We were both painting each other at the same time.

[Linda Brandon]

I love the way you handle paint, Christy - so expressive and sensual. The forms look accurately placed, which suggests to me that the big shapes are right and you needed more time to be specific.

Cut yourself some slack and just do this without the pressure of commissions for a while.

I really would love to see you keep this up. I sure wish I were a big name painter to give you a Big Name Stamp of Approval or something.