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Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth
I wouldn't make any further major color changes. As Marvin mentioned, those decisions really need to be done at the very beginning, by choosing articles that actually are the colors you want. The highly complex reflections and influences between colors are just about impossible to predict and almost always look "made up" if one attempts to guess or invent them, especially without many years of experience at painting these color influences from life.
Next time, even if painting a two-adult-interior portrait, you'll have a MUCH easier time of it, by doing this planning up front, guaranteed!
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Terry,
I would keep what you have here. Perhaps just adding a small bright touch to the tie would work. Your figures have more unity with the darker clothing tonalities.
I think I spend more time preparing for a painting often than painting it.
I did a portrait of a lady in a red gown. After studying her face and build I sent photos of dress recommendations to her. I asked her height. I then went to her home and measured camera distances, to see where the best angles were. I stuck a mannequin dressed in the same color as her gown to see if anything else was needed to add to the picture. She loved white roses, which was ok with me . I stuck my dummy, looked through my camera lens so I could see where I would like the roses to come. I bought an urn, contacted a local florist, told her what I needed and she arranged for the appropriate amount of flowers to be ready for the photography.
There were more preparation details, but this is an example of some of the work that went behind the portrait.
Being prepared for a portrait session, be it from life or from photos gives both your client and yourself confidence and reduces wasted time. Leave as little as possible to chance. Most clients, in my experience, like good pastry, don't benefit from too much fussing.