Potential Resource photo: Heather

Mike Dodson · 05-18-2003, 04:15 PM

This is a potential resource photo I am thinking of using for an upcoming portrait of my daughter, Heather.

I chose the warm color background because I do so many that are either dark or cool I wanted to try something different. Is it too warm?

Also, she has her hand "cupped". Should it be straightened out a bit or is it "natural" enough as it is?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Valerie Gudorf · 05-18-2003, 08:23 PM

Mike,

I think that the red walls reflect an awful lot of hot pink tones into her skin. However, you might be able to consciously tone down the effect in your painting. It's all a matter of how capable you are of correcting the misinformation provided by your reference. Unfortunately, I'm not that good yet.

Mike Dodson · 05-19-2003, 12:43 AM

Valerie,

My initial reaction was the same as yours concerning the reflection of the walls on the skin tones. I also thought of Sargent's "Dr. Pozzi at Home" which also indicated a red reflection on the skin tones from the curtain.
I think it's a good idea to use some of the reflective color but maybe tone it down a bit.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Linda Brandon · 06-16-2003, 06:29 PM

Hi Mike,

Did you decide to paint from this photo?

Just wondering,
Linda

Mike Dodson · 06-17-2003, 09:32 AM

Linda,

Yes I did and thanks for asking. I'm about 85% complete. I decided not to paint so much of the red reflection but still left some indications. The painting is on Claessen's 13SP (1st time) and I have absolutely fallen in love with it although I'm not quite use to the fact that the canvas will loosen/tighten. Not sure if I should re-stretch the one area that keeps loosening up or if this is just the nature of linen.

What are your thoughts on this photo?

Michele Rushworth · 06-17-2003, 09:50 AM

On the subject of the Claessen's linen: I began using it a few months ago and I love it too. Even though I live in Seattle where we have great extremes of humidity, I don't notice any changes in tightness over time. Maybe I tighten it more to begin with? Or maybe it's because I use the double primed stuff.