Props

Jean Kelly · 05-19-2004, 05:43 PM

My next portrait will be of a lovely young woman, seated in a chair with (hopefully) beautiful lighting. I haven't brought the lights out yet. I found that I have Chroma 50 flourescent tubes in fixtures in the basement. I used these in my custom bedroom business for color matching, and forgot I had them!

I've been digging through fabric scraps, found a chair I like and have been playing today. Right now everything is just cobbled together with pins, I'm just looking at color. Oh, and I know the green in the fringe doesn't match, I can change that in the actual painting. These were taken in natural daylight. When my model comes, she will be seated facing the light, looking over her left shoulder. The back of the dress is cut almost to the waist with large silk organza roses applied. We're going to try her barefoot first and see what happens. I may put the rose in her hair which is very dark and long. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

Zoe probably won't be in the picture, but she just couldn't stop herself.

Jean

Steven Sweeney · 05-19-2004, 06:50 PM

I'm trying to figure out how to get these props into some paintings.

Oh, sorry . . . I got into the wrong thread.

Jean Kelly · 05-19-2004, 07:04 PM

Maybe on Zoe's nose, then she can pretend she's the "Red Baron".

Jean

Michele Rushworth · 05-19-2004, 10:04 PM

Jean, I like the props in general, but I have two points to make. One is a question: what is the big pink tube on the floor?

The second is an observation: the white fabric on the floor will make all kinds of possibly undesirable reflections around her lower legs and feet. Typically we want the light to emphasize the face in a full length portrait and have it fall off to more darkness at the extremities.

I think you'll end up fighting against all that white on the floor which will bounce light off everything near it and it will work against keeping your focal point (the face) strong.

Michele Rushworth · 05-19-2004, 10:05 PM

By the way, great color for the backdrop. Some would call that Whitaker Green, or Leffel Green after the artists who use it most.

Joan Breckwoldt · 05-19-2004, 10:15 PM

Jean, I am impressed with the amount of planning you are doing. I know it's important but I am learning a lot from you already.

I love the green background with the white dress. Is that a big pillow on the chair? Could she sit in the chair without the pillow? The pillow might be distracting. Also, I await the answer to Michele's question about the pink tube.

When will the model come for the photo shoot? Is this a commission with client's input or is it something you are doing for yourself?

Joan

Joan Breckwoldt · 05-19-2004, 10:17 PM

I should have mentioned I really like that rose. I think it will add a nice pop of color to the portrait.

Steven, you're funny! Thank's for the laugh.

Joan

Jean Kelly · 05-19-2004, 11:09 PM

I guess I should have explained the rose tube! When I get done it will become a neckroll, more even and smaller around, possibly with some fancy trim or tassel on it. I used to be the "pillow queen" of Madison. Michele, thank you for the tip about the white on the floor. I'll head back to the basement and my wall of fabric. These are the little things that make or break a portrait, that I don't know yet.

Joan, I've done most of my portaits with little or no planning and it shows. I'm taking all the advice I've learned here this time, no making up color, clothing, backgrounds etc. I'd like this one to be special. It will be a large canvas, possibly 30x50 and I don't want to waste my time, paint, or the linen I'll be putting it on. Read some of Sharon Knettel's posts on planning, or Peggy Baumgartener, Chris Saper, Marvin Mattleson or any other artist you admire. I've decided to try it their way and post the trials and tribulations along the way.

This is a portfolio piece, not a commission, so I get to do what I want!
The pillow on the chair is just pinned together at this point, when the model is seated on it her dress and body will cover most of it up. I want the part that does show to look plush.

Jean

Michele Rushworth · 05-20-2004, 12:48 AM

Where will the neckroll be? It may only serve to confuse the viewer, especially with such a strong color.

Jean Kelly · 05-20-2004, 01:21 AM

Hi Michele,

This is simply decorative, I thought I'd just lay it on the floor. I tried a rectangular shape and didn't like it. I may also try a small square pillow leaning against the chair leg. So far I have about 20 different fabrics I'd like to use. I have to be careful so I don't overpower my main subject. If I go to a darker fabric for the floor I'll probably change the pillow to a different color anyway.

Jean

Ps the pillows I made never had any practical use, merely window dressing!