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Sitting For A Portrait
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Portraiture
A well-painted portrait encompasses many elements: a link for future generations back to their roots; an insight into a period of history; and at its core, a timeless recording of an individual's unique beauty and soul. History chronicles numerous approaches to portraiture. Many ask the painter, "Why not just take a picture?" One of the main differences between photography and painting is that a painting is the culmination of observations based on thinking and seeing relationally. The painter designs and records information that has a determined hierarchy. Unlike the camera, an artist does not simply transfer what the eye sees.
Working from life affords the artist the chance to respond directly to the beauty of the model and the environment. By observing the sitter, the artist has time to interpret a range of gestures and characteristics that uniquely reflect their traits and mannerisms. It also provides the opportunity to depict information that is truly typical of the sitter as opposed to accidental. Painting from life offers the artist time to observe, interpret, and respond to the particular beauties of the living experience.
The Process
Given the value of the working connection between the live sitter and the artist, the process of making a portrait requires teamwork, patience, and commitment on the part of the sitter. The subject poses for three-hour, uninterrupted sessions. Breaks are scheduled, and consecutive days of posing can expedite completion. The sitter's commitment to these guidelines greatly influences the finished product.
The work in stages:
(1) Initial Meeting: A discussion of the tastes, style, size and particulars of the commission, followed by the selection of clothing and accessories, followed by agreement on location and background.
(2) The Setup: The artist observes the subject and the environment to create an ensemble that highlights the sitter's features while offering an interesting design. Following a series of color tests, a sustainable pose is chosen.
(3) The Color Sketch: A sketch establishes the
piece's color scheme, general design, and dimensions.
(4) The Painting: Upon agreement on the broad framework, the painting will then be developed, working towards its refinement. There are stages of visible progress and also stages that appear insignificant. Importantly, a good setup precedes the completion of an area. As the painting progresses there is a process of tightening up the image so that it becomes more and more "like" the sitter. The painting moves from reflecting a resemblance to really capturing the subject's particulars, however subtle. Patience in this final stage yields a greater depth of accuracy.
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