Untraditional portraits question

Jennifer Geary · 01-09-2002, 03:11 PM

I have a question for you. I did this portrait for a friend of mine a little bit ago, of her daughter who is autistic. This girl was amazing, she seemed to exist in her own little world, and I had to paint her. But, I wanted the painting to show her personality, her intense concentration, her feeling of being detached from our world. So, I chose this pose of her...I took the photographs myself and used them as references. Is it bad to have this sort of view in a portrait? Do you think that it shows the mood and essence of the subject? can this be considered a 'portrait'? Comments of any kind are welcome! Thank you for looking!

Happy New Year Everyone!
Jennifer

H · 01-09-2002, 06:04 PM

Dear Jennifer,

I think you have made a terrific painting here.
My feeling when I see this painting is exactly as you meant it to be. This girl does live in her own world. I think you have succeeded!

Best wishes,
H

Jennifer Geary · 01-09-2002, 06:17 PM

Ah! It is nice to hear what someone else thinks about it! I was afraid her face was too concealed, but then, so is her personality, for that matter. Thanks for taking the time to post a message! I am trying to capture the essence of the person when I paint them, and I am glad someone else thinks this portrait captures her's. Sometimes detail isn't a factor, rather mood and feeling. :-) Most of my work is pretty 'tight' and a person once told me to 'loosen up! Show those brush strokes!' So...I attempted it. And here she is. (image posted above).

All the best!

Steven Sweeney · 01-09-2002, 07:24 PM

I think this is a touching and perceptive treatment of this particular subject, and I have no problem with the pose. The only area where I would suggest modification is at the back of the neck, which right now is ruler straight from spine to hairline. Some concavity (slight) would help the neck blend into the shoulder area and back of the skull. Also, the hair, even if thin, will have some bulk, some thickness, and would lie on "top" of the nape of the neck; right now, it seems to be kind of "tucked into" the neck, making the flesh of the neck seem to bulge and then suddenly dip underneath the hair. The whole area might be successfully modified by simply starting at the hairline and "shaving" a thin crescent off the back of the neck (slightly more at the nape than at the lower part; I'm not suggesting a compass-generated arc -- nothing near that radical) and perhaps also building up the thickness of the hair a little. Shaping the neckline like that will also have a very slight effect as well on the way you handle the highlight, which right now looks straight and uniformly wide, creating a cylindrical look. After the shaping, look very closely for that area where the tangent of the neck's curve is perpendicular to the light source; that will be the area with the brightest highlight, and you can introduce slightly more colour as you move away from that area. I think this will go a long way toward "humanizing" this part of the anatomy, an area where I suspect this girl carries a lot of her withheld character and emotion.

One other note: the highlight around the edge of the ear probably extends too far forward or at least too strongly. Even given the translucence of the ear, the part where the ear attaches to the head would be in light similar to that of the surrounding hair and skin. The hair behind the ear would be partially blocking the light, as well.

A heartbreaking study, if one thinks about a while. You were courageous to take it on. Well done.

Maxine Gilder · 01-09-2002, 11:35 PM

Jennifer, Steven had some great points. I think you did a great job. My son recently married a girl with an autistic son. I've been trying to get a photo of him that I can paint from that I like. I've been having trouble with his mouth always being open. Maybe I should stop trying to make him someone he's not. You have given me inspiration. Thanks, and I think what you did was a great idea!

Jennifer Geary · 01-11-2002, 01:56 PM

Thank you Steven and Maxine for your replies! I have noted the points you made, Steven, on the neck issue, which I totally agree with! I will work on it further. Thank you for your kind words!

As far as the subject matter is concerned, it was interesting...I just photographed her from a distance, trying not to make her pose or aware that I was watching her. Maybe you should try that approach, Maxine! Whenever I photograph my subjects, I try to do that. I don't like 'posing' most of the time. I think more of the personality shines thru when they are in their element, being themselves.

I am glad I inspired you! I hope you take the time to paint him!

All the best!

Jim Riley · 01-12-2002, 01:34 AM

Jennifer,

I wouldn't even consider critiquing your painting. It's overall impact is greater than the pieces and parts that put it together.
It's late at night as I write this but I could not resist taking a moment as I have just posted William Merrit Chase quotes in the Cafe under "artsy quotes" and it included the following:

" Subject is not important. Anything can be made attractive.... Aim to make an interesting
subject so inviting that people will be charmed at the way you

Andrea Evans · 01-12-2002, 12:45 PM

Dear Jennifer,

Please look at the official White House portrait of President John F. Kennedy painted by Aaron Shikler.

Website -- http://www.homeofheroes.com/presidents/35_kennedy.html

I believe that Mrs. Kennedy chose Mr. Shikler to paint this portrait, and I remember the criticism at the time this portrait was unveiled. It was not in the "traditional style." However, over the years it has become the most thought-provoking and memorable of the Presidential portraits in the White House. Mr. Shikler also painted the official White House portraits of Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Nancy Reagan.

From time to time, artists are asked to paint posthumous portraits (such as President Kennedy's) or people with disabilities (your portrait of your friend's daughter). You said that you wanted to show her "intense concentration" and "her feeling of being detached from our world." You've succeeded in doing this in a very lovely way. Both Mr. Shikler's portrait of President Kennedy and your portrait of this young girl reach out beyond a physical likeness.

Best wishes to you,

Jennifer Geary · 01-12-2002, 10:26 PM

Wow! I really like that quote, Jim! I have been searching for words to describe how I want my art to affect people and I believe you have shown them to me. Thank you so much for posting that! Below I attached the other work I did of my godbrother, Damien, who is also autistic. This is my 3rd painting of him, for I find him a wonderful subject. Of course, it isn't as detailed as about 99% of the artists that post here, but it works for me. Sure, the light may not be exactly right, and the hand isn't complete, but it speaks to me. Maybe it will do the same for you.

The portrait of Kennedy is fabulous! I much prefer this approach as well! Andrea, thanks for showing me that! Maybe detail isn't what I should strive for, but feeling....

Thank you for taking the time to voice your words!