Loretta, from life

[Michele Rushworth]

I agree with Sharon, one light source (and windows are a light source) will make your life so much easier and result in a more three dimensional painting.

[Dianne Gardner]

Thanks for the additional critique Sharon and Michele.

It was done as a group session.

Yes lighting is a problem as my studio has a very large skylight. The sun passes so quickly over the skylight that it makes it difficult to grab the shadows. Therefore I began using a lamp. But we still get that sun from the skylight.

So do you think I should forgo the daylight lamp on the model and just depend on the skylight?

Thank you.
Dianne

[Marcus Lim]

Hi Dianne,
On top of Sharon and Michele's advice, you may like to look at the issue on perspectives. The way i see this portrait is a slight forward hunch by the model. As a result, certain features of her head and body are subjected to perspective. I hope it makes sense to you.

[Dianne Gardner]

Thank you Marcus for the observation on perspective and for your help. You are absolutely right.

However, I took the photograph after I painted the painting. The model was not hunched over but rather sitting quite erect when were were working. I only used the photo for some detail work on her face. It is not a reference photo.

I do appreciate your help.

Dianne

[Marcus Lim]

Oh i'm really sorry...i didn't know that was the case.

[Sharon Knettell]

Dianne,

Studio lighting is a rather complex issue.

I don't know where the skylight is vis-a-vis the model. Check out the book I told you about to help you resolve your lighting isuues.

If it is not a constant light source it is unworkable.

[Dianne Gardner]

Sharon, I am ordering the book as soon as possible. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Marcus, please don't apologize. You didn't know and the information you gave me is valuable.

Best regards
Dianne

[Alexandra Tyng]

Dianne,

I really like this painting. It's true that simpler lighting would make the three-dimentional effect more convincing and easier to achieve. But I find the pattern of light and shadow on the model's face interesting.

There are two main issues that stand out for me.

1) The left side of the model's mouth (right side of painting) seems stretched out, and so does her entire jaw on that side. Of course this is just compared to the way she looks in the photo.

2) The background is distracting, especially the light, jagged shape in the top right. It actually breaks up into pieces that do not all read as being background. I would suggest you try for a more unified background, especially since her face is full of pattern.

I think you have done an excellent job under challenging lighting conditions.

Alex