Happy Couple
 

My painting entitled "Happy Couple" is oil on linen 30x40". I painted it using the clients attached reference photo. Unfortunately it was a flash photo so it was very difficult to work with. I am interesting in receiving some helpful suggestions on how I can improve this painting from the pros who frequent the site. I guess it must be difficult to really see what is going on with these low resolution photos that I have uploaded but let's give it a try. Thanks in advance.

I would not recommend trying to create a solid portrait from a very poor client photo such as this one. The flash lighting, the extreme facial expression on the woman, the awkward pose of her arm, the busy and distracting dress she's wearing, etc. all combine to sabotage the efforts of any portrait painter.

My recommendation is to study the threads on taking your own excellent quality photo reference. You'll find it much easier to create a better painting when the source material is up to par.

Just starting out, I also frequently am given very poor reference material and try use it only as a very last resort. That being said, I can not afford at this point to turn down any work for this, so I just do the best I can, chalk it up to a learning experience and tell myself that it is not the last painting I will ever do. Boy, do I get sick of static studio shots though.

I do frequently change or tone down the clothes. I think you did a great job with this project, but just because the photo is compositionally lacking and has no color harmony, don't be afraid to try to improve that in the painting a bit.

Just my two cents worth.
Lisa