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Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng
Valentino,
Very nice portrait. I would love to know more about that raised fist! You can also see the "don't mess with me" message in his face. I think it is something about the look in his eyes and the upward curl of his upper lip.
On the technical side, I like the way you have simplified the colors and forms.
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There is not too much manouvering space when it comes to academic portraits, particularly when one opts for seated pose.
I did not want to repeat myself (though I have not done too many portraits, dozen or less) nor copying usual poses, so I opted for this one which - yes - might be better suited to some high ranking politician, but...well, I said to myself - why not?
So I adjusted the light, told my sitter to seat comfortable, tilt his body on the right side a bit (to avoid the stilted pose), and clench his fist but
not too tight . So, I tried nothing important to leave to a chance.
Pay attention to the thumb. When ones clench his/her fist in a (somewhat threatening) "power pose", the fist looks a bit different.
I am talking nuances here, but we understand body language pretty well, so in this way he gives impression of decisive, capable person (which he is), but I do not have impression that his expression conveys "don't mess with me" message.
I did simplified the colors and forms (thanks for the remark), changed the direction of the background shadow, and did some other minor adjustments in order to make composition stronger.