The profile pose

Elizabeth Schott · 05-30-2003, 11:23 PM

Please pardon my possible ignorance, but a question for all who have attended workshops. If you're lucky enough to get the profile pose, what should you do with your painting? Finish it or file it as a lesson?

I have never envisioned simple profiles as something I would use as a composition if not in a workshop situation, but I am sure there are a few famous ones, I am just not pulling out the books at the moment.

I really liked how my profile of Les was coming along, but not sure how it would translate into a finished piece. Any examples, thoughts or suggestions would be interestingly appreciated!

I only had a copy of the close-up on this computer:

Michele Rushworth · 05-31-2003, 09:27 AM

Here's a detail of perhaps the most famous portrait of the last hundred and fifty years. John Singer Sargent said it was probably the best painting he ever did.

This woman was famous in Paris, for her wealth, style and, not the least, for her distinctive profile!

As far as your Les portrait, Beth, I think you should take it to whatever stage you feel is finished. (I think it's almost finished as it is, actually. Maybe a couple of touches on the eye, and whatever remains to be done on the background and shirt and you're done. I wouldn't finish it so far that you lose the fresh brushwork you have.)

So, yes, I think a profile can definitely be a strong finished piece!

Michael Georges · 05-31-2003, 12:34 PM

Beth:

I have decided to keep my paintings from the workshop as-is and not try to finish them. They serve as a fine remembrance of the class and the lessons I learned there.

Of course, it must be an individual decision, so if you decide to finish yours then that works for you and is just great!

Elizabeth Schott · 05-31-2003, 12:52 PM

Oh Michele, if Les only had that dress and bustline!

I did think of that one too.

It is funny to me, because didn't you and Michael have the same postion as me?

SB Wang · 06-14-2003, 03:45 PM

Beth,

I visited your web site, very nice indeed.

A UNC teacher didn't allow using small brushes in his class.

Please try to make a black-white copy of your painting and compare it with b/w photograph of the subject.

Elizabeth Schott · 06-15-2003, 10:03 PM

Thanks SB for your suggestions, but this fella was painted from life and for me I used a big brush!

If you look in the workshop description post under "Les" you will see the results from numerous artists here.