Pair of mug shots
 

These two 20"x16" oil on canvas paintings make up a commission of two (adopted) brothers. My main concerns here were simply the likenesses and using color to create the illusion of dimension and atmosphere. Any ideas about how to salvage such thoughtless compositions short of restretching the canvasses on smaller stretchers? Any other helpful comments? Thanks for the forums, Cynthia!

http://forum.portraitartist.com/imag...es/beutler.jpg

Jim, I have a couple of comments, although I'm not one of the "masters", that's for sure.

I think the boys' faces look three dimensional and animated, which is very nice.

Check out the background color on the painting by Jack Pardue on the cover page of A Stroke of Genius, where the color of the woman's wrap is beautifully worked into the background. I think working in your subject's colors (mostly clothing colors) into the background is almost a rule of thumb. Also vary the value of your colors.

Thanks for your comments, Pam!
I see now that in addition to the colorism of background to flesh, I need to give a lot more attention to the overall color harmony of the composition. When you say to vary the values of the colors, are you referring to the background colors? To the overall range of values in the painting? Thanks for the fresh eye and taking the time to help. I was about to make the same mistake on the painting I'm planning now!

You're welcome, and yes, I was referring to the background values because I think that will create more depth and atmosphere. It can also help create movement, so your eye will move around the painting. Good luck with your new project.