Vic and her flute

[Mike McCarty]

I like this image. I haven't done a lot of calculating yet, but my initial plan is to paint this 24 x 36 oil. This would put the head at a bit over six inches, hmmm..., 48 would put it at eight inches, hmmm.

This image has been in my mind for some time and finally today I was able to get everything in one place. This was shot with Kodak portra 400 film at my new market studio digs. Mostly the light is from a large north window wall to her left. We had a very overcast day and the shutter speeds were so very long (some more than a second). Even with a tripod most of the images were not in good focus. There was a helper holding a reflector just to her right.

My plan is to get this painting started and then have Vic come and model the pose while I paint from life in this public forum.

My thinking is to paint the image with the flowers and swans (very subdued) but I question whether the far background objects should remain. What say you about this or any other aspects?