Thread: Background help
View Single Post
Old 01-13-2003, 03:00 PM   #10
Sharon Knettell Sharon Knettell is offline
Approved Member
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,730
Modeling Stands

Elizabeth,

All you need for a modeling stand is 4 to 5 cement blocks, half a sheet of 5/8" plywood and a strong back. I use a one on each corner and sometimes one in the center. I use the lengthwise side. I paint the plywood to go with my scheme.

For your subject, follow the eight head formula in the proportion thread. I like to use half a head or a full head measurement from the top, depending on the composition. I generally use an 8" head. 8" should work for you also. So if you were doing a 5 head figure (mid-thigh) that would be 40" + 4" = 44", mid-calf, 7 1/2 heads, 60" + 4" =64" , full length 8 heads, 64". Here it is a little trickier. 8' heads would be to the weight bearing heel. The foot in front may come forward a bit. You may need an addional 3-4" for that plus 2-3" on the bottom depending on the composition, 4-8' on tne top. so, if my math is correct, the standing figure would be appx. 74 to 80+ inches. Widths scaled proportionately of course.

I think you could get good results with this painting with a 5 head figure.

Check out Sargent for his placement of heads in a picture vis-a vis 3/4, full length etc.

Keep to your theme of dark blue and black. A warm skintone will be your brightest color.

Post some new photos.

Sincerely,
  Reply With Quote