Sandy--need some input

Lisa Ober · 01-17-2006, 08:53 AM

Greetings and a belated Happy New Year to all of you! I was swamped over the holidays and didn't get a chance to post much but I did try to keep up on the goings on here.

Below is my most recent pastel, 16 X 20 on panel. This is a portrait of one of my favorite client's but it is not a commission. It is practice for an upcoming enormous undertaking I will be attacking and I need some help and advice. Perhaps the powers that be will want to move this thread somewhere else since I really am asking for input.

Here's the story. Every year here in St. Louis, there is a special and highly publicized luncheon put together by local media, business leaders, etc. to honer what is called "St. Louis Women of Achievement." There are 10 women chosen as outstanding business leaders, philanthropists, or outstanding community leaders to be honored and the publicity is huge. Approximately 800 leaders in our community attend the luncheon at which many of them learn what these women have done and honor them for it. It's a pretty big deal and quite an honor to be named as a recipient.

This year I have the good fortune of doing a pastel portrait of each of the honorees which will be professionally framed and displayed in the huge reception area of the hotel where the luncheon will take place. Addtionally, the portraits have somehow serendipitously become sort of a focal point in the theme of this year's luncheon so they will be part of some media coverage and part of a video tribute to the women which will be shown to all the guests at the luncheon. I have about 6 weeks to do all of the portraits but I want to do it right.

I know that was a long way to go to get to my questions but here they are. Keeping in mind I want these to be my best work:

1. Is the portrait below a good template for how much of the shoulders to show? I would like the focus to be on the face but I don't want to put too little in the painting. Would you do a vignette or run off the board with the body?

2. Do I make each portrait unique in background and tailored in coloring to the individual to make them a little more exciting to view?

3. Would it be better to make each background neutral rather than something like I have in the one posted here?

4. How do I take careful advantage of the opportunity with regard to PR? Business cards on the front of the displayed portraits? The back? I will receive mention in the program which will be nice.

5. Should I show the recipients the portraits before they are publicly displayed to make sure they like them?

Anything else you have in the way of suggestions or advice would be appreciated. This is a terrific opportunity with my ideal audience. I would prefer not to blow it. I know I am asking a lot but I want to do a great job on these.

Thank you so much!