It's difficult to give a portrait a personality. This commission has 'one' fairly dated photo of a newborn to work from. I am using pastel on burgundy Canson paper. This is my third attempt...finally got the likeness down, still working on the colors. The photo, although yellowed and ruined from being wet on a majority of the swaddling, allows me to make that part up as I go. He is also sitting in one of those upright plastic baby carrier/infant chairs, therefore I need to make a decision of what's going on on the right side of the painting, But if you were in my studio you would hear..."Nope, that ain't it...no, that's not it either." It leaves me to state, for those of you out there also painting commissioned portraits, I feel your pain if you are working from an "iffy" photo.
AND BTW - "this ain't it!!!" -photo was deleted...
5 comments:
Yes, when using a photo reference it is the quality of the photo that helps the commissioned artist but with your experience and great visual interpretation you are doing a great job, so far what I see. The child is golden! Love it.
PS: I'm getting more drawing and painting time in now and I am seeing improvements, going back to basics was the key. Thanks again for your encouragement.
Just remember every time you hear "Nope, that's not it" you're one step closer. It will show up.
Thanks for your encouragement, Leann and Victoria! I didn't sleep well last night, thinking about this one. That happens a lot. I painted it differently in my head - got out to the studio today and made it happen. Better likeness, colors and composition.
Baby's this young are a challenge any way you paint them. Congratulations on taking on the challenge and making it work.
Thanks for your comment, S. I looked at your portraits and they are very nice. I love the one of young Darrow...:-)
Post a Comment