May a portrait show a smile? The debate on this issue almost always gets bogged down in heated discussions with presumptuous, compelling arguments. Some pretend that a smile will eventually get bored and a timeless expression is preferred. Toothy smiles often appear static and smiles distort facial features, e. g. making the eyes smaller. Almost never you hear this, not insignificant, argument: Showing a smile betrays the use of photography. And many portraitists do not like to admit this. It may be clear, I find that it’s all nonsense. First, there is no argument against the use of photography and secondly a smiling portrait is not necessarily annoying. OK, one can have a clear preference that is fine. But let me say this again: Don´t make it a doctrine. The challenge is to make a good portrait, full of character. A painted portrait shall, reliably, report of the sitter and sometimes a smile is a part of the emotion displayed.
I notice that many beginning artists have trouble painting teeth properly. A word of advice: Never make individual teeth, paint a curved surface that turns away into the corners of the mouth.
Schitterend contrast van wit tot bijna zwart in goud-blond haar,
als atijd inspirerend!
Thank you for your tremendous talent and your generous heart. Do you teach online? Can you teach me to improve my portraiture?
Thank you for your kind words. I am afraid I cannot teach online. Many people ask me and for me it is simply impossible to give attention to all.