Don
 

I might be jumping the gun here as I have just posted this in the WIP section for a final analysis but...........

This is a pastel portrait of a gentleman who worked for the BBC as a cameraman. The camera is very important to him, I think he would have prefered a portrait of the camera not himself but daughter and wife had other ideas ;) I employed quite a bit of artistic license to tone down the impact of the camera without loosing it's mechanical integrity.

Unison pastels, sennelier pastel card, approx 50 x 50 cms.

This photo is just a tad dark but the best I can do at the moment.

Carolyn,

This is very successfull, you managed to incorporate his mechanical pet ;) in a way that shows that he is passionate about the camera and also efficient and alert. I am sure that he will love it.
I think that the balance of attention is good, one notice the man at first and then the camera. I especially like the dark you added behind his head and the small highlights on his arm and hand, they work fine with his head.

Carolyn,

What an interesting portrait of an elderly man. I like that he is portrayed in action rather than in the usual seated position. Nice!

Very successful. I'm glad to see the increased contrast around the head and the reduction in contrast around the tripod. Those subtle alterations transformed the piece. Any member here would be ecstatic to have created it. The subject's personality comes through so well, which is the alchemy that moves this from painting to portrait.

You've noted by cross-reference the inclusion of your work-in-progress elsewhere on the Forum, and I want to thank you for that, on behalf of all who will profit from it. It is SO very instructive to see even a few in-progress stages, to read the observations and recommendations, and to see how an excellent piece is pushed to its natural best, not necessarily by taking all advices, but by considering how all may or may not work in some way toward the desired end.

Congratulations. This piece makes me want to be there as an observer when it is presented.

Allan, Enzie, Steven, thank you for the lovely comments. I'm so pleased that some of Don's lively and enthusiastic personality has managed to shine through.

'This piece makes me want to be there as an observer when it is presented.'

Steven what a compliment, but I know exactly what you mean, I will be sure to let you have a blow by blow account ;)

I also like that he's doing something, that he's represented in a way that show's who he is, what his interests are. Nice job.

Thank you for looking and taking the time to comment Michele, it means alot.

Really strong piece, Carolyn. A real pleasure to look at.

Thomasin, I'm glad you like it, thankyou for looking, it means a great deal coming from someone whose work work I admire alot.

It's a wonderful portrait Carolyn! It'll be a touching moment when presented.

Christy

Thank you Christy, and it was, they loved it...whew!! I always hate that bit, makes me so nervous watching the expression on their faces, I see that you have been painting professionally for some time, does that ever get easier??

Carolyn,

This really turned out well! I like the dark patch behind his head. It balances out the composition and makes the head stand out. Excellent solution!

Carolyn,

It's gotten much easier. Of course viewing a portrait for the first time by the one who is commissioning it is quite often a very emotional experience. Sometimes we want to avoid that even when it's a good thing. Of course usually they're thrilled! Sometimes they may be disappointed in some way, but if you always do your best to work it out it will be fine in the end. Any anxiety is truly just wasted energy, but I do know just how you feel. You're clearly sensitive to your clients and do excellent work. Let the positive reactions to this wonderful portrait give you confidence!

best,
Christy

Carolyn,
I really this painting. It evokes so much emotion in me because my dad is about this age and was a photo buff, though not professional. The youthful spirit of this man is THERE! Wonderful.

Very, very lovely!

Oops , sorry I missed these lovely replies! Thank you.

Alexandra, the dark area behind the head I have to thank Chris for, but I like to think that I would have thought of it myself eventually ;)

Carolyn--

Great color and characterization...he really comes through!