Mrs. D.

[Denise Hall]

I haven't posted here in a long time - but have been painting very steadily. Hopefully I will be getting a great digital camera very soon and the next time I post - the pictures will be sharper. I do need some help finishing this small 11x14 head study of a special lady. Please don't be too harsh concerning the photography - I know it's a little textural for some reason.

The original photo I worked from will have to come tomorrow from a scan -

Thanks anyone!


Denise

[Julie Deane]

Hi Denise -

Nice expression, and the eyes glow. The neck bothers me, though. Is there any way you can minimize the lighting so that elongated fleshy portion of the neck is not spotlighted? Your sitter will appreciate it.

[Elizabeth Schott]

Denise, is Santa bringing you a new camera?

Just from what you can see, I think Julie is right, even though your reference may show the light on the neck as you have it, maybe a bit softer would not accentuate it so much.

I think this is one of your best pieces!

[Heidi Maiers]

A very lively painting Denise,
The blues and purples seem appropriate for this sophisticated lady. I find for the most part that older women do not want to have their portrait painted or sculpted (unless it is from a photo of when they were young), so this painting is unique in that regard.
Nicely done I think. I'm sure the painting pros will be able to offer some good suggestions to make it even more wonderful.

[Mike McCarty]

Denise,

I hope you don't mind me taking a digital shot at your lovely painting. I had a little time and I love the puzzle. As Heidi pointed out, it's a treat to see the more mature subjects.

I tried (crudely) to de-emphasize the neck along with taking some of the highlights away from the top of her right eye. I also added a bit of a dark shadow in the corner of her mouth on her right side.

[Denise Hall]

Merry Christmas - it's almost here!

Thank you so much for all the advice and .......you guys have it "spot on" with the neck being too light. I have to admit - I e'd this to Marvin a week or so ago - just to show him what I've been up to after not talking for quite awhile and he had just enough time to write back and say, "darken the neck". I have not done it yet.

Mike - thank you for playing with it in photoshop - and yes, that right eye highlight was keyed too light as well - I see it now. Hopefully I can take a photo of it in a few weeks showing the improvements.

Thanks again, Heidi, Julie, Beth and Mike for taking the time and patience to reply. I really appreciate it!

Denise

[Linda Brandon]

Hi Denise,

Congratulations on this lovely painting!

I've painted many "older" (relative term) women and one of the first things to "go" on a face is that sag on the jawline (I think it's a sagging masseter muscle but I hope some anatomy buff witll come forward and correct me if I'm wrong). Personally I have no ethical problems with reducing or even eliminating these sags on a woman's face. You could do this here and still keep the likeness. I also like what Mike did with the cords on the neck.

Sometimes it's the small things like this which will make the difference between a painting being hung in public or shoved under the bed for a few decades.

I really believe in keeping a likeness and also not over "glamorizing" a woman (depending on her personality, and of course on your own taste) but I also believe in artistic license and helping people look their best.

[Denise Hall]

Linda,

It really does help to hear from someone else who has painted "older" (I feel like soon I'll be one of those!!) women and come across the same problems. I find myself still trying to paint the person exactly as they look - but also trying to capture their spirit as well, as we all strive to do.

This time I feel the face and expression truly is this woman and I should soften the neck - the juxtaposition of the body really did cause this and if the face had not looked so nice in the light - I would not have used this shot. I only had a few shots though to choose from. It's a fine line when decided when to use "artistic license" and I think it's very easy to overdo it if not careful. I look forward to working on this after the weekend and getting back here with an update picture.

Again, I truly appreciate your taking the time to respond and also to everyone here, have a blessed and beautiful holiday.

Denise

[Michele Rushworth]

Women of a certain age look best when photographed in fairly flat light. That is, with the light very nearly from the same angle as the camera. That eliminates the dramatic shadows across aging forms like neck muscles and wrinkles.

Just as a general rule of thumb: if there are any features you want to accentuate, set up the light so it is going across that form from one side. If there are any features you want to minimize, set up the light so it is directly aimed at that form from the front, or put that form in the shadows. This goes for necks that aren't as young as they used to be, double chins, big noses, wrinkles, etc.

[Elizabeth Schott]

Denise older people in general are so much fun to paint simply because there is so much more life to capture!

You really did this well!

Now where are those new digital images with your big Santa gift? (I hope, I hope!)