Painting outdoors in the dark (?)

Michael Georges · 09-16-2009, 06:06 PM

As an addition, if they are not willing (or able) to accommodate you in your requirements for this painting, then I would pass on the commission.

You will likely not be happy with the work you produce and there is an increased chance that they would not be either. We are not magicians and we cannot make bricks without straw.

There are extremely few folk on the planet that can paint and capture the likeness and essence of a highly animated figure on a stage from 20 or 30 feet away...if you get that close!

Debra Rexroat · 09-16-2009, 07:43 PM

I, too, question what you can accomplish in one hour. Painting at night is tricky, and the motion on stage will make it even more so. I agree that a good finished product could be had if you use a combination of photos and quick sketches, taking them back tot he studio to design the final painting.

It might also help to "practice" painting/sketching this musician from photos you may have available to you, to kind of warm up to her look.

I have done some night/dark painting in pastels on dark ground (black or dark neutral) with success. This is one way to limit your work to the bright colors, highlights, and silhouettes, which could make a pretty nice image if you are able to do this.

Mara Schasteen · 09-16-2009, 10:34 PM

OK. Very good advice so far. Thanks Michael and Debra for your quick responses. I truly do plan to do this painting in one hour, as the band is only on stage for one hour ... but I will have plenty of time beforehand to set up and prepare the canvas and the paint. I am hoping to get a block in completed by the time the singer performs a slower number when she sits on a stool with her guitar. Then, I'll sketch her out as quickly as possible (while having a friend take photos), and try to complete her in the studio. Should be interesting.

Michael, how would you recommend I pre-mix the paint? Obviously, I'll have all my paint squeezed out onto the palette, but I think you mean taking time before the performance to mix up some obvious tones?

This project is more of a "performance" than a commission. It is my fifth one this summer (first portrait, however), and the previous four have been really fun and successful.

I guess my biggest issue is lack of electricity. I'll try a Coleman lantern and a flashlight. Yikes. I think I am crazy.

Will post the painting to this topic on Friday.

Laurel Alanna McBrine · 09-17-2009, 12:51 AM

Hi Mara,

This sounds like fun - quite a change from the usual solitary existence most of us lead.

Try a book light. I used one (battery operated) for an outdoor painting session that began at dusk.

You could also try one of those flashlights that mount on your forehead. I think you can find them at stores that sell camping equipment. Another participant in the painting group used one. It seemed to work even better than the book light, since wherever you are looking you have illumination, whether it is your painting or your palette.

A practice run ahead of time to see if either of these suggestions will meet your needs would probably be wise.

I agree with the idea of preparing your palette ahead of time, since even with the book light, you will have a hard time discerning subtleties in the color and value in dim light and having your "notes" already lined up will be extremely valuable when you have time constraints.

All the best - post some pictures after the event so we can see how it all went down!

Debra Rexroat · 09-19-2009, 06:28 AM

I recommend against the head lamp. I used them in mountaineering, and they shine light at whatever you are looking at -- imagine looking up at your subject and blinding her during her number! The book light is a better solution.

In the October issue of Artist's Magazine on page 34, in an article about Robert Armetta, is pictured his premixed palette recipes. I know for the life of me I have also seen, within the last day or so, an image of a palette with several skin tones premixed, but I can not locate it. But I found this online: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Eiwce13X73...0/PALETTE+.JPG It shows the artist's palette with anticipated colors and values all premixed. I could see something like this being of great value in your situation!

Addendum:
This is what I was looking for to show premixed colors:
http://www.rexart.com/art-supplies-b...matters_lg.gif

Allan Rahbek · 09-19-2009, 07:13 AM

Mara,
you should try a camping style gas lamp. Easy to carry with you and they give a nice white light.

Claudemir Bonfim · 09-22-2009, 07:49 PM

I've already done something like that before. I recommend you to take a look at Daniel Greene's pre-mixtured palette. You can mix it all in about 20 minutes and you won't regret taking the time to do so.
Do two fast sketches before the event, this is a great warm-up.
Vignettes are fast and charming.
Well, I'm against the photographs, specially if they are taken by another person, but that's my opinion only. I think that most professional photographers don't know anything about portraits and amateurs are a total disaster.
I wish you the best of luck.