Need advice on doing portraits! > ArtistsNetwork.com Fine Art Forum and Community

Forums

Subject: Need advice on doing portraits!

You are not authorized to post a reply.

Author

Messages

HeatherL
Posts:3

05/15/2007 2:10 PM	Alert
I'm new to drawing people and I just discovered pastels. I like how they allow you to blend and get the subtle shading but I'm unsure about how to finish them. I've looked at several other artists and I see a number of different backgrounds - but which is the best for a comissioned portrait. One is a picture of my daughter and I went with a lighter backgound here but on some others I've gone with vivid color like the one of my friends son next. Just not sure what's professional... Are there any professional portait artists out there actually making a living at this??

Jim

Posts:2748

05/15/2007 3:20 PM	Alert
I think you use whatever compliments your subject. Looking at your portraits, it doesn't look like you need a lot of help. These are beautiful. The first one is fantastic. Your detail work is amazing. Jim www.paintingsbyjim.com

All the best, Jim www.paintingsbyjim.com

rpartin

Posts:430

05/15/2007 5:06 PM	Alert
I agree 100% with Jim. I thought the first one was a photograph.

Ron

myrna

Posts:154

05/15/2007 6:00 PM	Alert
Heather..............I agree whole heartedly with Jim and Ron, your pictures look as professional as most I've seen. Your art is what You want it to be. These are great.

Myrn

scochran
Posts:233

bluiiz
Posts:532

05/16/2007 7:19 PM	Alert
Wow! Wonderful beautiful work, you need no help from me!

Anna

klippie

Posts:1938

05/17/2007 12:32 AM	Alert
I dont thik you need mush help here stunning paintings Retha

If at first you dont succeed.........don't ever give up!

Anna
Posts:131

05/17/2007 8:39 AM	Alert
Hi Heather, Wonderful works. Anna.

heatherm

Posts:2120

05/18/2007 4:15 PM	Alert
Heather, Your work is excellent, there is no hard and fast rule for backgrounds, it is whatever moves you to paint, whether it be texture or gradient color, or complementary colors to the subject, the final decision is what makes it work in your eyes. The smoother the pastel and softer the colors, the more tranquil the portait. The rougher strokes with vibrant color the more dynamic. Depends on what you are conveying.

Heather http://www.heatherartist.com

gene
Posts:1246

05/19/2007 9:08 AM	Alert
These are truly beautiful. I don't know if you can ever "make a living" doing portraits, but I do know quite a few artists who do a lot of them. Good luck on this................Gene

claudiamah
Posts:89

05/19/2007 12:03 PM	Alert
Both are lovely works of art, indicating much talent. I think the first is very successful because of the softness of all the colors selected. The background is "baby" soft and smooth like the main image. Excellent work.

You are not authorized to post a reply.

Forums > Gallery/Topic by Medium > Pastel > Need advice on doing portraits!