I was recently asked by a lovely lady, Janet, (an actress and scriptwriter) to portray her father 'Pops' who sadly passed away earlier this year. The main reference photo showed very little detail as it was a family group standing under a willow tree with dappled sunlight creating shadows. However with the help of some additional photos and my client's helpful guidance I completed the portrait yesterday and I'm told it made her cry. Portraiture is a strange business when we can measure success by the ability to bring tears to our clients' eyes (equalled only by Solicitors and their fees perhaps) :o)
I won't show the reference photo(s) but Janet is very happy for the portrait to be shown here:
I used Prismacolor and Van Gogh Coloured Pencils on dark grey Clairefontaine Pastelmat for this portrait - a combination which I think works well to show off light coloured hair/clothing.
Sue! No wonder she was pleased - this is fabulous! You know I know how difficult it is to work from small or bad photos but you pulled this off beautifully!
ReplyDeleteJust popping in to see if you'd finished it & what a treat to see it!
Beautiful - this portrait shows a great character. x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan and Gillian.
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy that this worked out well as I've 'heard' so much about 'Pops' from Janet that I feel I know him and he certainly was a great character.
Well done Sue, not surprised your client was pleased as it has the wow factor.
ReplyDelete'long time no speak'. Thanks Pauline :o)
ReplyDeleteSuperb work Sue, it really has such character..and it is lovely to see you back :D
ReplyDeleteThis is really lovely Sue, I love the twinkle in his eye, not surprised there were tears. I really like the quality of the shirt, looks crisp and cool just like freshly laundered cotton.
ReplyDeleteJanet directed me here. I met her father and can attest to how skillful this portrait is. Well done. I'm not surprised Janet was moved to tears.
ReplyDeletethat is so well done :) it is very strange that artists can judge the success of a drawing by the tears that show up, tears of joy are good, tears of rage are not :p
ReplyDeleteGreat work, Sue. It looks wonderful. His skin, hair, eyes, nose.... well, all of it is superb!
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies - its great to be back. Hope you are also feeling much better now Teresa? I'm still having treatment 3 times per week but (like you) am perhaps not keeping up with the exercise regime properly now that the pain has receded ... must do better!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for commenting SuMax - I didn't have the privilege of knowing Janet's father so its lovely to hear your views.
This is stunning Sue - what a lovely, warm and friendly face he has and you have captured his essence perfectly. I do love this one - you're a very talented lady!!! :)
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