Too many knees?

Chris Saper · 12-12-2008, 06:01 PM

Dear Mara,

I do not think this is a suitable reference photo for a painting, and I would recommend against proceeding with it; I can only say that I wouldn

Stanka Kordic · 12-13-2008, 09:27 AM

Just to chime in with all the excellent feedback..its a nice photo, but nice photos do not necessarily make good paintings. Please DO edit before you show clients any new shots. You are the professional, and most importantly, your signature will live on that canvas. The painting has to be yours.

I also feel that 24 x 20 is a bit too small for 3 figures at 3/4 length.

Good Luck!
Stanka

Mara Schasteen · 12-13-2008, 06:15 PM

OK, I know that all over this site there are entries filled with how awesome this site is for the growing portrait artist.... even so, I'd like to add my HOORAY! I just haven't had these kind of critique opportunitties in my entire career as an illustrator/potrait artist. I majored in Marketing/Design in college and didn't take one single painting class - in fact, I have NEVER had a painting class, or any formal training in portraiture, oils, photography, etc. I have suffered from a serious case of deluded confidence these years past, not having anyone around me to tell me where I could improve and how to become better. It's almost a joke to me how many paintings I have sold and how successful I've been, riding on the coat tails of my God given talent. I'm feeling this really intense urge to jump in the air. I think the potential that I know is inside me is rising ever closer to the surface.

Back to the topic at hand, I have been convinced to go for a third photo shoot with this family. I was certain that out of 300+ photos, I'd have something to post here as a possible alternate solution, but I can't find one that is just perfect. It feels so good to know that I am not going to start this painting until I am confident that it will be successful.

My client really wants a casual and fun portrait of her kids. My attempt to catch them looking natural and sweet, in perfect lighting and with no funky poses or goofy looks on any of their faces is proving to be a huge challenge! Before I go back for that third shoot, I'd like to go ahead and post my choice for their portrait. This one still breaks some of the rules, but I am curious to see how you feel it compares.

To the 6 of you who have taken time out of your day to help me out - -

I'll take you out to dinner next time you are in Wyoming

Alexandra Tyng · 12-13-2008, 08:10 PM

Mara, trust your instincts! I like this a lot better. Maybe you can work further with this. Chris pointed out that one single photo usually doesn't have everything in it, that you can expect to work from a combination of photos. If you have the children pose again in this spot, try to get them in as near as possible to the exact pose. Then back up and zoom in to correct for distortion. (Even as is, there is less distortion here.) Expressions can be changed as long as the head fits onto the body. Remember the photo can not only be cropped, but it can be extended, so you can fine tune the placement of the figures.

But in your 3rd photo shoot, try a couple of other poses, too. Sometimes I arrive with one idea and end up liking another one better.

Whichever one you end up liking best, think of how you are going to sell your idea to the parents. Aesthetically, compositionally, how is this superior? Why is simplicity of background important? How does the "off center" focal point create interest? Etc.! Convince yourself first and the client will be more likely to trust your vision. Sometimes you will have to make adjustments to please the client, but I find that most clients want to believe in the wisdom of the professional.

Mike McCarty · 12-13-2008, 08:13 PM

Mara,

Here's a suggestion - go to the main site and study the painting there that deal with multiple subjects.

Here's one by Coni Adams that I plucked from that section:

http://www.portraitartist.com/siblingsoutdoors.htm

And another by Bart Lindstrom.

Mara Schasteen · 12-15-2008, 01:22 PM

Thank you, Mike!

I love the two examples you "plucked" out and posted here. While my previous work in multiple children was stiff and certainly not as accomplished as these, I'll post a couple here just for fun.

In the meantime, I'll be researching as you suggested. I have spoken with my client and let her know that my friends on the forum have suggested we re-shoot. They are pleased that I am taking my time to do this right and they are being patient and willing to wait.