Self portrait

[Noble]

MY IMAGE(S):
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/05-22-2002/2351_P5202003a.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/05-22-2002/2351_P5202003b.JPG


GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: Self portrait
Year Created: 2002
Medium: Pastel
Surface: Board
Dimension: 16x20
Allow digital alterations?: Yes!

MY COMMENTS:
This was going to be a sample for portrait commissions, now I think it might be too imposing / serious to be inviting. I still need to refine a few things but the face is almost done.

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:
I'm wondering if I should go border to border, or keep the background (acrylic wash with pumace medium to provide tooth for pastels) as it is and go for the vignette look. The shirt will be a patterned tasteful summery yellow.

Whatever comments / observations you have are most welcome.

[kjsspot]

Wow! I'm very impressed! I wouldn't worry about it being too imposing for a sample portrait IF you balance it with others that aren't so imposing.

Currently I like the background but it would be hard to say until it's more finished.

About the only thing I can think of, and you probably already know this, is that if you are putting in a bright yellow shirt, don't forget to reflect some of that onto the face.

[Bellydanser]

I agree that the imposing image could be balanced with a separate image showing more softness. There will be people who would be drawn to the strength of this in their own portraits, e.i. people in positions of power (and with the money to pay you handsomely for your work). I am also cautious about how much detail you would give the shirt. Too much may in fact negate some of the intensity here. Just a hint to anchor maybe, but the simplicity of the sketched lines is almost enough for me.

[Noble]

Originally posted by Bellydanser
I agree that the imposing image could be balanced with a separate image showing more softness. There will be people who would be drawn to the strength of this in their own portraits, e.i. people in positions of power (and with the money to pay you handsomely for your work). I am also cautious about how much detail you would give the shirt. Too much may in fact negate some of the intensity here. Just a hint to anchor maybe, but the simplicity of the sketched lines is almost enough for me.
Thanks for the observations, that's useful. As for the shirt, it will definately be "understated" in terms of its importance, mainly there to balance the green and give some mass to the body so the head doesn't float. I haven't come back to this yet, but I will sometime soon...