8
Composing a background that suits the story
For portraits, a background doesn’t always have to be plain. Sometimes it can add to the story of the subject you’re trying to portray. It can
also change the image’s composition. I recommend exploring this aspect early on in your process, instead of slapping a background in at the end.
10
Don’t commit too early
In keeping with the visual theme of Chinese
porcelain vases, but also wanting to push the exploration,
I think it would be visually interesting to have parts of the
f loral pattern still be wrapping around the figure as a
metaphorical note. However, the more I step back from
this, the more it doesn’t work for me.9
Check your accuracy regularly
Sometimes it’s easy to forget to check where you are in your process, especially
if you’re having fun. When doing exploratory work, it’s good to step back often.
Check your values, your anatomy, where your composition is going and f lip that
canvas to highlight any errors – especially if you’re portraying characters!
Workshops