By means of this image I want to explain something that I do often.
In this portrait the light source comes from the top left. Consequently the shadow on the face is on the right side, on the chin. Sometimes it works well to have a high contrast in the values between the cast shadow and the background. That means I make this part of the background a lot lighter than the rest of the area.
When teaching I explain it this way: It’s possible to give a portrait some fresh air.
Thanks. I like the lessons I learn from this site. If you don’t know you have an ‘art student’ somewhere in Kenya. This site helped me to gained courage to start oil portraits.
Could you talk about how you do your photography because it is my major hindrance to portrait painting.
Thanks a lot.
Dear Daniel. I am pleased with your comment. I surely will make information on the photography but that will take some time.
All the best.
Ben