Chris,
Thank you for taking the time to critique my portrait. I have already visited Karen Well's website and printed out her lighting advice. I called both companies that she recommends and in the next couple of months will order both the "background set up in a bag" as well as the "White Lightening Ultra 800" system from Paul Duff.
I can't wait to be able to control the whole background and setup without relying on the client's sub par photos. I am putting together 20 portraits for monthly rotating portrait shows throughout 2002 in my area. Models are scarce, So, I have been using photos from previous pastel portrait commissions to create these oil portraits. I have vowed to insist on using my own photography from now on. Your point is well taken.
I did attempt to place a lot of cool colors in the shadows. Right now I am working with John Sanden's book on Portrait Painting. Probably, I need even more cool in the shadows or else my digital camera may be recording too much warm color. Tomorrow I am starting a five week course with a highly recommended teacher in our area that specializes in Master backgrounds. I am hopeful he will teach me some great background techniques. When I was doing pastel portraits a few years back, I had the opportunity to speak by phone with Doug Dawson, whose work I totally admire. He gave me some really good advice and a workshop with him must have been an excellent experience. Dawson's influence is beautifully apparent in the painting of the girl on your home page. I also like the painting of the two girls on the beach. I do beach paintings of children, as well, and if you have time, please visit my website to see some of them at:
http://www.LongIslandFineArt.com
I believe you have a new book coming out, correct? I am going to pre-order it, as I am sure to get some great solutions on skin tones. Once again, thank you, and I hope the next painting I post for critique will be much improved.
Renee Brown
Hybrid Mode
