Best use of live sittings?

[Chris Saper]

Chuck,

What an interesting question. I rarely have the luxury of live sittings in my commissions, although I recently had the opportunity for a 3- hour sitting at about 80% completion of the face.

I thought this was an excellent time for me to have the input, a I had already traveled a long way in drawing, color and edges, so I had something on my canvas that could really be tweaked. I think that earlier sittings, at least for me, wouldn't have been as productive.

[Jimmie Arroyo]

What a good question! I've never had the time, or in some situations, the money to have live sittings and have wondered if there were ways to skip the model at certain times. I take a bit getting the likeness down, so I figured taking pics right away may work, so I'd be able to get the likeness plus play with darks and lights before introducing skin tones. I'd hate to take 3-4 hours getting to a certain point, realize that I've spent too much time and money and then relying on photos for the important parts of the piece, simply because I can't afford it.

I'm dying to take part of a model marathon on May 23, where it'll be the first time I've ever used color from a live sitting. The model will be in place for a three hour pose, then break for a half hour, then, I believe, continue the same pose for another three hours. I'll be concentrating on the face, so if they take another pose, that'll be fine. I will post them and see what you guys think.

[Patricia Joyce]

Jimmie,
I am excited for you and to see your painting from life. I know you will fall in love with the process and that you are ready to move to this step.

Good Luck, and ENJOY!!!