Painting Techniques - Questions

[John Reidy]

Dear Michele and Mischa,

Thanks so much for responding. I'm lost right now in a difficult portrait. Difficult primarily because I accepted this job with very poor reference material. It is a family of four, two of whom are deceased. The mother had 100's of polaroids, 4 x 5's, color and black and white. She also wanted it to be from a period of about 20 - 25 years ago, when all were alive and well (she lost her daughter over 2o years ago when she was just 12).

I've composed the piece through several photographs of roughly the same time period. I've done a drawing and a color study and both have been approved. The painting has proved to be very challenging due to some areas that are not clearly discernable.

Consequently I'm at that point where I am looking alot and working very little but making headway which prompted me to reflect on my process and how it compares to others (especially those of you who are successfully making a living from it).

I am thankful that you have shared this with me as it helps me in this difficult moment to reestablish my sense of being.

When I finish I'd like to post it in the unveiling along with the process I went through.

And, oh yes, I need to add that I explained to the client that the painting may be more "painterly" than others. I feel confident she understands. Without that understanding I couldn't have accepted the opportunity.