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Mara Schasteen · 09-22-2009, 12:48 PM

I am a little late in posting my critique, but I would like to add that I like the lighting better in your painting than in the photograph and I think you have really painted the subtle grays in the goose well. I agree with the need for tweaking facial features, but what stands out most to me is that I don't see an exciting difference between photo and painting. When using a photo reference, I like to improve the photo with artistic expression such as bold, simple brushwork (particularly in the background) and the use of various methods of applying paint to create different textures. Also, the whole photo need not be rendered.

I don't like working from photos, but I understand the need to do so better than anyone. More often than not, my opportunities to paint portraits are limited to short moments in my studio when I am not mothering four children. Most of the time, photos are all I have.

Overall, I feel that your painting would be more successful simplified, with less rendering of the background using fewer colors and toning those colors down quite a bit. You've signed this one and perhaps it is time to move on ... maybe you could get out another canvas and set yourself a timer and paint this one again really fast, just for fun! Big brushes and broad, simple planes of color ... less rendering of the entire photo and more focus on the purpose of the photo for an artist: to provide you information from which to choose the elements important to you and those which help to convey your message. It would be so fun and exciting to see what you could do with the freedom of departing from the photo and expressing your relationship with this beautiful girl with your brush.

Thanks for posting your painting!

09-22-2009, 12:48 PM	#9
Mara Schasteen Juried Member Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Sheridan, WY Posts: 95	I am a little late in posting my critique, but I would like to add that I like the lighting better in your painting than in the photograph and I think you have really painted the subtle grays in the goose well. I agree with the need for tweaking facial features, but what stands out most to me is that I don't see an exciting difference between photo and painting. When using a photo reference, I like to improve the photo with artistic expression such as bold, simple brushwork (particularly in the background) and the use of various methods of applying paint to create different textures. Also, the whole photo need not be rendered. I don't like working from photos, but I understand the need to do so better than anyone. More often than not, my opportunities to paint portraits are limited to short moments in my studio when I am not mothering four children. Most of the time, photos are all I have. Overall, I feel that your painting would be more successful simplified, with less rendering of the background using fewer colors and toning those colors down quite a bit. You've signed this one and perhaps it is time to move on ... maybe you could get out another canvas and set yourself a timer and paint this one again really fast, just for fun! Big brushes and broad, simple planes of color ... less rendering of the entire photo and more focus on the purpose of the photo for an artist: to provide you information from which to choose the elements important to you and those which help to convey your message. It would be so fun and exciting to see what you could do with the freedom of departing from the photo and expressing your relationship with this beautiful girl with your brush. Thanks for posting your painting!