![portrait-f[1].jpg](/wp-content/uploads/image/portrait-f[1].jpg)
One of the biggest problems portrait painters have is what to do with the background. Often it is just filled in with dark color values, a fireplace, or books on a book case.
This is a painting of a woman who owns a store that sells all sorts of lamps. I felt it needed to portray that fact. The woman is the most important part of the portrait, so she takes up most of the space. She is painted in bright colors. The lamps are in the background – very small, yet apparent, with muted tones. The background should never overpower the subject matter. Doing it this way provides a portrait of the woman, while at the same time, lets you know what she’s all about.
Comments on Lamp Lady
I don’t remember seeing this portrait before, but I think it is one of my favorite portraits ever. You did such a great job portraying her personality, not only through her facial characteristics, pose, etc, but also by showing her in an environment that is a big part of who she is.
I love seeing the lamps in the background. I didn’t see them at first–just the pleasant-looking woman with light coming across her right side. What fun to discover all the “extras” in one of your paintings!
Hey Daddy,
What a nice portrait. You have such great detail in your paintings!
This is a great portrait. It really has an atmosphere. I think it would be tricky to paint glasses on a person. I like the colors in the painting and the lamp lady has a personality.