Today's photos
 

What do you think?

Or this one?

Or this one, that reminds me of a painting that I've seen by Sargent?

I like the composition of the head and arms in #3 best.

Linda,

I like number two the best. I like her face in that one. It's very soft and natural and I like the curve of her body. Number one is OK, but her face isn't great. Number three looks like she has a little smirk in her smile and the pose looks contrived. Number two looks more graceful to my eyes.

This may be a bit late
 

Linda,

I wish I were a member sooner. I realize this may be too late. But I couldn't pass up saying something about these photos. I really love how you set this up, with all of the fabric, and the overstuffed red chair. I am really attracted to it and can't wait to see the final piece!

I am not a pro by any means! But I just wanted to tell you that I like the first one the best! I think the composition is wonderful. I love that even amongst all the business of the thick fabrics, and floral prints, there is no competition, the girl wins! My eye stays with her, and I think that creates a sort of subtle power for the girl - and perhaps that fits her character?

I also think it looks very natural, as though you were walking by and caught her day dreaming/ thinking about something. And also, her hand playing with her foot helps it look so natural.

Anyway, just couldn't pass it up. I'm jealous actually! :D

I like the #1 photo the best. Although, I would like to see more of the subject's right hand, if that is possible.

Devin

Thank you all for your comments. I haven't checked back here in a long time and was surprised to see that someone had responded.

Personally I like No.1 the best also. The only problem that I am finding with that one, is that so much of the composition is taken up with the background, that the figure (face) becomes quite small, unless I use a rather large canvas. I've started it on an 18x24 panel and her head is about 5 inches long.

Most of the paintings that I have seen in my life are prints in books, so I am finding that actual sizes of paintings can be a subject of much decision.

I try to always make sure that the faces are at least slightly smaller than real life, but the smaller they get after that, the more difficulty there is in getting good detail.

Ideally, I think this photo needs to become a painting that is larger than 18x24. Any thoughts on this would be welcomed.

Girl in Chair
 

Lovely photos! Number 2 definitely. In my own work, I go by my initial first impression, ripping the coners off the stack of photos. Even after studying them for days, I find my initial reaction was the best one. Number 2 is simpler and more intimate; it also gets rid of the other distracting print.

I think #2 is the best composition and will probably be the one with the least obstacles such as the background in #1. I definitely do not like #3 because it looks like her head is sinking into the back cushion.

A final note regarding the size of the head... I followed a workshop with Margaret Carter Baumgartner this summer and one of the most important things I learned was to stop making those monkey-sized (her words) heads. She insisted that a portrait be life-size and I admit that applying this rule has really helped me get a more realistic painting.

Great pictures! Can't wait to see the painting.:)