Quick sketch

[David Draime]

Ilaria,

This is a really fine little painting. Just exquisite, and so directly and confidently rendered. I am so impressed.

Originally Posted by Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco

but I refused painting the little one as he is too young, could barely stand.

I am curious as to why you refused to include the little one - in that, even though he may not be able to stand or even sit still, the fact that you captured him so beautifully - couldn't you work from several of these type sketches to include him in the composition? Just curious....

-David

[Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco]

David,

I have to paintt the brother and sister separately, and I think this little guy is too young to hold a canvas on his own.
It is very rare to see successful portraits of children around one year old. Many painters have painted their own babies, even newborns, but when it is your own child there are other things involved, feelings of tenderness and wonder. This commission involves a real portrait, that says something about the person and their relationship with me, and I can't do this with someone that does not hold my gaze.

I don't know these children at all, besides they really gave me a hard time as I took the photos. The next day I went there to sketch and they were a little easier but still quite confrontational. This will show in the paintings, I can't help it.

To be honest I was not particularly inspired by them, but this is the truth of the profession. I actually put off starting the bigger paintings because I still have not got a clear idea of how to make them interesting for me to paint.

In the case of this little painting I thought that the speed and freshness could be what ultimately appealed to a viewer. I tried to steal the scene to the boy with my painting.

It took me time to understand that I should not accept all the commissions blindly, but think carefully about the possible outcome. I am now only working toward building a solid portfolio, and I don't want to spend a long time on something I wouldn't want to show.
So there you are, trust me this is a good advice

Ilaria

[Allan Rahbek]

Ilaria,
simple color, luscious brush and values that stand the test of standing back .........almost perfect

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Originally Posted by Allan Rahbek

Ilaria,
simple color, luscious brush and values that stand the test of standing back .........almost perfect

Almost perfect? What would you do to better it, Allan?

There's a lovely continuity in the brush strokes and expression, Ilaria. A perfect example of knowing when to stop.

Thomasin

[Allan Rahbek]

Originally Posted by Thomasin Dewhurst

Almost perfect? What would you do to better it, Allan?
Thomasin

It should have been mine

[Marina Dieul]

Ilaria,
I understand your point of vue about not painting very young children : it's something very challenging ... Your solution is very clever, and the sketch you painted is really beautiful, lively expression, and fresh colors. The small scale and the head and shoulders help too when the body language is too "baby" ( cute on pictures but horrible in a painting)
Maybe you can propose only this kind of sketch when you have clients who wants portraits of their very young children, I would buy one without hesitation !

[Alexandra Tyng]

Ilaria,

Such a wonderful painting! Your edges are so fluid, and light silvery and luminous as usual.

About not painting a formal portrait of him--I trust your judgment on this. It depends on the child, of course, but I've refused commissions for the same reason. I think the client should be very pleased with this little head, and will respect your reasons for hesitating. I'm pretty sure she will call you back when he's older.