Sketch for underpainting

[Barbara Hudson]

Hello, all.

I have recently accepted my first military commission. I did the photo shoot last weekend and he chose a selection of photographs for me to work from. It was a combination of 4 different shots for stance, face, holding hat and wearing his medals.

I prepared some 'made up' Photoshop photos for him and he just found them confusing and couldn't make his mind up so we have decided to leave the decision for whether or not to include the medals until near completion. Because he is so well decorated, they simply look far too much, and we both agree that the portrait will probably look better without them.

This leaves 3 different photos to work from now, which is fine. I have prepared this quick watercolour sketch on the canvas to give him more of an idea of what his selections might look like as a painting. He hasn't got back to me yet but I would like your opinion on his choices, please.

Thanks,
Barbara