Sophia & Vivienne
30 x 40cms
Oil on gallery wrap canvas
Simon had me create the portrait as surprise birthday gift for his wife.
He bought them around on his quad bike and I took hundreds of photos.
We chose this idea.Vivienne didn’t look very happy in this photo so I chose another photo that showed her lovely smile. I photoshopped them together to come up with the reference photo.
We decided this was a lovely idea as it captured a connection between the two sisters.
I knew I had other photos that better showed Viviennes lovely smile. I chose this nicer one.
I photoshopped the two best ones together to come up with the reference photo we used..
The photos were lovely but the lighting wasn’t great. They had dappled shade on their faces , the photo was drab and had a green caste.
I
I decided to downplay the shadows on their faces but use the sunlit areas to enable me to use more colour and bring their expressions out more.
Flat front lighting can be boring and I didn’t want pale pasty faces. It took some skill but I think I did a good job of bringing out the best from the photos.
I’ve enhanced Viviennes smile and captured Sophias contemplative look.
Close up of Sophia
Closeup of Vivienne

For a quality finish I continue the portrait around the edges of the canvas.