Family Portrait

[John Reidy]

Here is a portrait that proved to be problematic but also rewarding. It is a portrait of a family of four, two of whom have passed away.

The daughter passed away about 20 - 25 years ago. The father passed away last year in June. The mother wanted a portrait of the family together which meant at a time frame when the daughter was still with them.

The mother had hundreds of pictures, all family type portraits taken by (usually the father) a family member with a simple camera where the flash is attached. Among the problems was trying to find a good photo of each member of the family with similar lighting and contrast. Then each photo had to lend itself to a believable group and finally creating an overall picture.

The portrait is a culmination of 4 photographs that I grouped together in photoshop. My son posed for the body of the father.

My process was to submit the photoshop picture to establish an overall direction. I then created a drawing, reducing all elements to a consistant and believable environment. I then painted a small color study of the entire painting illustrating the overall coloring and composition.

I also conveyed to the client that since the resource naterial was of insufficient quality that the portrait would be more of a painterly product since many details were not available.

With all of this in mind I labored on the portrait insecure in some parts due to my "guessing" at some features. Thankfully the painterly style allowed me some grace.

I was nervous upon delivery but was pleasantly surprised by the reaction. Even the son was moved to "almost" tears.

I had posted some references to this painting in another section and promised to post it when finished but I became busy and failed to do so until now. I humbly supply this portrait for the process that it was and to reinforce why I paint portraits. I love it when my client(s) are pleased.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Such a difficult undertaking, John, and you have managed to pull it together so well. It's easy to forget that a good photo can be a very bad portrait reference until we receive a commission like this! I am so glad the clients were happy with it.