Camilla seated

Allan Rahbek · 02-09-2008, 11:58 AM

This is Camilla,
oil on linen, 83 x 60 cm

Alexandra Tyng · 02-09-2008, 11:41 PM

Oh, Allan, this turned out to be beautiful! The cool light and the blues and greens complement Camilla's fair complexion and hair. The casual pose and daylight show her in a down-to-earth, everyday way that is enchanting.

You handled the primary and secondary light sources with such subtlety. I really admire that. And I love the way you lost the detail near the bottom where the value of Camilla's jeans and the value of the background become similar and both take on warm tones. The pose is unusual and yet so simple. It looks like you caught her the way she would really sit, with her first two fingers together and her legs crossed. One more thing: I noticed her torso is slightly twisted with respect to her lower body. Many artists use this coyly, but you did not! Bravo! It looks entirely natural. Maybe that's because she's your daughter and not a model, but it is worth studying.

Allan Rahbek · 02-10-2008, 10:02 AM

Alex,
thank you for commenting with such insight.

The pose is natural for Camilla and I thought that it was interesting also because of the folds on her shirt, they sort of spiral around her waist and the slight twist of the body is emphasized by it.

I have replaced the original photo of the painting with another taken outside in the sun and attach a couple of details.

Mary Sparrow · 02-10-2008, 11:04 AM

Absolutely stunning! I love your use of color in this.

Linda Brandon · 02-10-2008, 03:09 PM

Allan, I am always a big fan of your paint handling and I really enjoy looking at these closeups of your work. There are so many good and intelligent decisions here - I especially like the suggestion of movement around the top of the head. Your use of texture in the lights also gives life and movement to this lovely portrait. Your technique helps describe the life and charm of your daughter and the high-key color scheme is really effective here. Congratulations on another strong painting!

Allan Rahbek · 02-10-2008, 06:56 PM

Thank you, Mary and Linda,

Linda, I am glad that you perceive the loose edges as movement, I had not thought of it that way, but I do try to keep the contoures open so that the shapes and colors can interact and breathe.