Texas lady

[Kimberly Dow]

I have a commission in the bag and am excited about this one. The woman is married to the best-known former TX Ranger in the state. (Joquin Jackson) He is an NRA spokesman and was in their ads, (I could have sworn she said he is the President now, but I am not sure). They know all the former Governor's including the Bush's, etc. He is also coming out with a book soon of his memoirs - already available on Amazon - and he has been in movies. So - needless to say, this one could be important for future commissions. This is a really good opportunity to do a painting that appeals to Texans as well - I've yet to paint anything that screams Texas and I think it could be helpful to me since I live here and these Texans are extrememly proud and like to dress western.

The portrait will hang next to the one I am posting below (by TX artist Jack White), but with a grandfather clock inbetween.

She doesnt want one as large as his (30x40"), but I am hoping to convince her otherwise. I am visiting her house today to see exactly where it will hang in person. His is a giclee canvas transfer I believe since Jack White has the original for sale on his website for $22K.

She hasnt decided on anything yet - clothing, size, how much of the body, background, etc. I feel like at this point they are going to give me a lot of leeway and let me guide them. She has seen the former Governor - Dolph Briscoe's wife's portrait in a ballgown and is considering that, but given her husband's portrait it may be wiser to have her in TX clothing I feel. She is a Texan through and through - used to be a country singer. As a matter of fact, at a recent local art show where my work was featured there was a poet who did some singing and she jumped up and went to town singing- she is very good and a very fiesty lady. As a matter of fact - her singing drew in crowds and I sold several pieces...so even though I am not a country music fan, I was happy.

She wants the painting before March since they will be going on book signings, etc. for awhile after that. So we will meet today to finalize the contract and discuss ideas, take photos this week and get prelim sketches by next week. (not to complain, but I have 3 other commissions right now! One by Christmas - wish me luck!)

What I am asking from you, my esteemed collegues, is some suggestions of size and composition. If that painting below is 30x40 and he is a 6'3" man - what would her size on the canvas be if I did the same size painting - but she is short - I am guessing 4'10"? (I will find out for sure today. I dont want to do her larger than what he is for the percentage of his height, but she is short that possibly that would have her too small on the 30x40 canvas?

Maybe I can avoid that whole issue by getting her as a full body on a 30x40?

Any suggestions appreciated - thanks!

[Linda Brandon]

First of all, a big congratulations on this big commission!

Two things come immediately to mind: your Texas lady should also have some sort of outdoor background to echo this (nicely painted) portrait of her husband, and she should also compositionally compliment him when her portrait hangs next to his. The first thing I'd try here is to compose her leaning (or maybe seated and leaning) against a left vertical of some sort (post? chair? wall?) and try to get some diagonal movement going here.

You can also try to soften the sunlight/shadow value ratio by hanging a sheet of sheer cloth or plastic and placing her in it's "shadow". Or you can try backlighting and prepare to model her in the unlit face. Or you can try "dappling" her with foliage shade. Personally, I think mature women tend to look better when you can carefully light their faces indoors, but I would have some patio or landscape background to get the outdoors feeling in your painting.

[Patricia Joyce]

Kim,
Congratulations on the BIG commission! I can't wait to watch this unfold. Witnessing your progression through a painting is a tremendous education for myself and other students here, too.

Besides I love your work!

[Kimberly Dow]

Thanks Patricia!

Linda - Yes! Yes! You said exactly what I was thinking. I got to read this before I left so it confirmed what I wanted to guide her towards.

We actually agreed to go to the place where this one was done and use that same mission-style outside hallway - just have her leaning the opposite way. It is at a local ranch. Her husband is there today hunting with...Tom Selleck. When I arrived she was on the phone with Heloise....she says "do you know Heloise?" and of course I say, "Heloise who?" she meant the Heloise that does the Hints From Heloise. The first hour was spent with her telling me about all their friends, the poets, writers, actors, etc... Nick Nolte, Sam Elliot, Raquel Welch! She says she has only met one celebrity who was quite the snob, and believe it or not - it was Jimmy Stewart. I pretended not to be impressed.

Now she just has to decide between two outfits I helped her choose. One is flirty and fun - southwest with jeans and the other is more sophisticated and classy.

After the actual thought about the painting itself - I am hoping she decides to go with my suggestion and have an Unveiling party...boy do I ever. Then I am trying to figure out how to get her email list and address book. I cant break in - that place has more guns than a military base...

[Mike McCarty]

Did my name come up at all?

[Kimberly Dow]

Of course! She kept referring to MOM - I knew it was you.

Actually, Mike - you were born here, correct? I'd never whisper your name - if they found out I was a native Yankee I might get fired. I'm going to have to change my birth records.

[Chris Saper]

Kim,

How exciting! I like the echo of the composition in the husband's portrait - regarding size, I think you should go for the same size portrait - after all the wall will become its own 'canvas' and I can't bear the asymmetry of the clock flanked by two different size portraits. I think the best way for you to consider it is to make a three value thumbnail sketch of the ENTIRE wall, to scale, including the clock, and both portraits.

Regarding the size, I think you should measure the husband's painted head size to see how closely it is to life size, and whether you feel comfortable painting in a scale that matches (in relation to % of life-size) Then I'd go with a like proportion of her head size. The enormous difference in their heights might make for a design problem that is difficult to overcome. I fyou decide to do a matching vertical composition, you might still be able to indicate their relative heights, perhaps running some wisteria or other foliage across the top like a trellis, in order to avoid the feeling that she is sinking off the bottom of the canvas.

I guess I would ( if it was my wall) prefer to see a proportionally scaled portrait of her in a horizontal format, same size canvas, than two vertical pieces of differing sizes. A horizontal composition would also allow you to place her head closer to the top of the canvas - and on a more comfortable eye-level for the viewer, than would be workable if she were standing in the same place.

I wonder why they didn't buy the original of the husband - just something to consider in your contract

And Double Diamond Ranchwear makes some terrific dress-western clothes!

Good luck,

[Kimberly Dow]

Chris,

Thank you for these suggestions. I like the idea of the horizontal, but honestly don

[Chris Saper]

Kim,

Look at this lovely painting of Linda Brandon's. There are many ways you might work a horizontal composition, and yet still have it agree with the first portrait.

Just one thought: yes, the husband's portrait is a print, although I 'm sure an image they love. Think long term about how you might eventually paint the husband to work with the Dow wife

[Linda Brandon]

And another thing...
If she is going to hang to the left of him make sure that rifle isn't aimed directly at her head.

Just trying to anticipate things for you here.