PAINTING FROM PHOTOGRAPHS PRACTICAL
When creating portraits of children, photography can offer numerous advantages over having the child sit for extended periods. Notably, young children don't have the patience or attention span to remain still for an extended period, making it challenging to capture their likeness accurately. Using photographs also helps minimise any discomfort or anxiety that the young subject may feel during a traditional portrait sitting, while providing a stress-free experience for both the artist and the child.
A young seven-year-old girl once sat for me and her mother brought the child's best friend along to keep her company. I played them music that they liked, gave them sweets and tried to keep them amused. I succeeded in keeping them seated in my studio for a couple of hours while I painted but it was a real challenge as they didn't stop giggling and chatting to each other.
Incorporating photography into the portrait painting process allows me to capture genuine moments and expressions that may be missed when a child is asked to pose
