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Daniel Arredondo · 10-17-2001, 02:14 PM

Dear Renee;
I like the composition of your painting. The arm and flowers make a circle that brings the viewer back to the face.

The photo used as a reference is not perfect and we must remember when painting from a photo that we are making a copy from a copy.

Photos have three weaknesses in the following order:
Value
Color
Drawing

Value: From life the value of the white part of the shirt would be less highlighted with more white middle tone instead of all the white part of the shirt being in highlight. The bows in her hair would also have some middle tone especially as it meets the hair and possibly some hair color reflected onto the underside of the bow.

Color: The middle tones are washed out in the photo so you left them out. The yellow flowers in real life would have more middle and dark yellow tones. The dress is also washed out in color. The light is from her right side, so there should be traveling light from her right to the her left side on the blue part of her dress. You did a good job with the colors on her face.

Drawing: The closer the photo is taken to the subject, the greater the distortion of the photo because of the convexity of the lense. Since her left hand and forearm were closest to the camera it shows larger than life. Also check her right eye, it may be too high and not angled properly with the tilt of the head. Also double check to see that you have enough cheek to the right side of her mouth.

Sorry for being so picky, but this is the best way to learn. It really is a beautiful painting, but you posted it to try and make it better.

Regards
Daniel

10-17-2001, 02:14 PM	#2
Daniel Arredondo SOG Member Joined: Oct 2001 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 56	Dear Renee; I like the composition of your painting. The arm and flowers make a circle that brings the viewer back to the face. The photo used as a reference is not perfect and we must remember when painting from a photo that we are making a copy from a copy. Photos have three weaknesses in the following order: Value Color Drawing Value: From life the value of the white part of the shirt would be less highlighted with more white middle tone instead of all the white part of the shirt being in highlight. The bows in her hair would also have some middle tone especially as it meets the hair and possibly some hair color reflected onto the underside of the bow. Color: The middle tones are washed out in the photo so you left them out. The yellow flowers in real life would have more middle and dark yellow tones. The dress is also washed out in color. The light is from her right side, so there should be traveling light from her right to the her left side on the blue part of her dress. You did a good job with the colors on her face. Drawing: The closer the photo is taken to the subject, the greater the distortion of the photo because of the convexity of the lense. Since her left hand and forearm were closest to the camera it shows larger than life. Also check her right eye, it may be too high and not angled properly with the tilt of the head. Also double check to see that you have enough cheek to the right side of her mouth. Sorry for being so picky, but this is the best way to learn. It really is a beautiful painting, but you posted it to try and make it better. Regards Daniel Last edited by Cynthia Daniel; 11-14-2001 at 01:59 AM.