Back to the commission piece - WIP

WC Lee · #1 05-15-2008, 01:41 PM

Okay, I decided to tackle that commission piece again seeing that the deadline is coming in fast

Here is the image ref I am using and the initial block in with some refinements underway, 9 x 12 Wallis. As mentioned before, she wants me to make her thinner and this time, I think I am on the right track. Going to put this down and look at it tomorrow with fresh eyes. But as far as I can tell, the right side of her face (our left) needs to be adjusted.

Donna T · #2 05-15-2008, 04:41 PM

This is looking really good! I think you're right about the right side of her face (our left). From the photo it looks like the widest part of her face is directly to the left of the corner of her mouth. I think if you adjusted this area it might match the photo a little more. It must be so hard to do a portrait and shave a few pounds off at the same time!

Donna

Masque · #3 05-15-2008, 04:59 PM

You've got the hard parts pretty much nailed; both the nose and mouth are excellent and need little beyond the usual fine adjustments (you may want to double check the width of the front teeth and the length of her nose). You have definitely caught her expression in both smile and eyes and her personality shines through beautifully. The only other suggestion I might make is using a dark burgundy for the corners of the mouth and the nostrils rather than black for a more natural look. Your client's request to look thinner can play havoc with an artist's efforts for a good likeness--but I agree, a slight adjustment to the jaw on the viewer's left would likely benefit. Your doing a fine job, I have no doubt she will be very pleased. Will look forward to the finished product.

Masque

WC Lee · #4 05-15-2008, 11:03 PM

Donna: thanks

I stopped at this point specifically to allow me time to really make some comparisons and what adjustments needs to be made. Normally, I skip this part and end up frustrated when finished

Trying to maintain a resemblance while trimming off a few pounds is surely a challenge, but can learn a lot from it though.

Masque: thanks

I'm sure I will be making a lot of adjustments before continuing on, even now, I see quite a few spots that needs to be adjusted. Good thing I am working on Wallis, gives me ample amount of tooth to make all the changes and corrections.

WC Lee · #5 05-18-2008, 07:48 PM

worked some more on this, going to put it down for a couple of days and then see what needs to be fixed. I don't think I am going to like commission work

NickyW · #6 05-19-2008, 03:03 AM

Ahhh how did i miss this?? She is looking fantastic with a real good likeness. Great work WC..looking forward to seeing the finished result.

Adiro · #7 05-19-2008, 10:39 AM

I think you did an INCREDIBLE job here!!!!!

She looks not only slimmer, but also younger and move beautiful!
I am slightly surprised by the overall color tone of the picture, the blue comes strong in the skin tones as well, but it's not wrong, it's just painterly and surprising !
I'd be so happy if I were her!

meowmeow · #8 05-19-2008, 10:59 AM

I think it looks great...I think it is hard to make someone look thinner...basically different than what they look like. You seem to have done a good job. Let us know if she is happy with it.
I avoid commission work...too much pressure. But I know people do it and do fine...I think you may be one of those.

Sandy

PeggyB · #9 05-19-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WC Lee

worked some more on this, going to put it down for a couple of days and then see what needs to be fixed. I don't think I am going to like commission work

You've done an amazingly good job on a difficult assignment. I hope the client is happy with your effort. As for not liking commissions - I agree! Especially portrait commissions such as this one. I've become "cranky" in my old age and just plain refuse to do them unless I know the person very well and know they are willing to take whatever I produce.

Peggy

qpdoll · #10 05-19-2008, 11:16 AM

You did just what she ordered. ... It looks like her only thinner. ... Great job!

Scottyarthur · #11 05-21-2008, 12:22 AM

I see you are back it again and pulling it together. very nice indeed. will be waiting to see the completed work

Trilby · #12 05-21-2008, 02:35 AM

If she's not pleased with this, she can't be pleased. Not only have you successfully made her slimmer while maintaining a great likeness, you have reached through the photograph inside of her to bring out a real sense of sparkling personality. She's beautiful.
TJ

WC Lee · #13 05-26-2008, 10:19 AM

thanks Nicky, Adiro, Sandy, Peggy, qp, Scott, TJ

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