Do I Work from Photographs or ‘From-Life’?
One of the most common inquiries I receive pertains to my working methods: do I work from photographs or ‘from-life’? The straightforward answer is that I employ both approaches, tailoring my process to suit the preferences and needs of each client.
Working Methods:
When it comes to portrait commissions, I adapt my techniques based on various factors:
- Utilising photographs provided by clients
- Integrating multiple photographs to conceptualise and refine a single image
- Capturing reference images through my own photography
- Conducting live sittings, where I work ‘from-life’ with the subject present
Understanding the Difference:
The distinction between working from photographs and ‘from-life’ lies in the source of inspiration and the dynamic of the portrait session. Working from photographs offers convenience and flexibility, enabling me to capture specific details and compositions with precision. Conversely, ‘from-life’ sessions allow for a more organic interaction between artist and subject, resulting in portraits infused with vitality and immediacy.
Comparing ‘From-Life’ and Photograph-Based Portraits:
The debate over whether paintings ‘from-life’ surpass those from photographs is multifaceted. While ‘from-life’ portraits can capture nuances of light, shadow, and expression more authentically, photograph-based paintings offer efficiency and accessibility. Ultimately, the quality of the artwork hinges not solely on the method but on the artist’s skill, vision, and ability to translate their subject’s essence onto canvas.
Choosing the Right Approach:
Determining whether to have your portrait painted from life or from photographs depends on various factors, including scheduling constraints, personal preferences, and artistic objectives. While ‘from-life’ sessions offer a unique experience and a deeper connection between artist and subject, photograph-based portraits provide convenience and accommodate diverse scheduling needs.
In my practice, I strive to combine the best of both worlds by leveraging the advantages of photographs while also infusing portraits with the vitality and authenticity that come from live sittings. By tailoring my approach to each client’s preferences and project requirements, I aim to create portraits that resonate deeply and authentically capture the essence of the individual.
