3. PORTRAIT Painting
Portrait paintings and how they are created have a complex compositional history. Ranging from simple remembrances of a family member to elaborate narratives and symbolism, all forms of portraiture have definite formal and informal considerations.
The formal elements include the shape and size of the painting support; the size and amount of the figure within the pictorial frame; the qualities of drawing, line, anatomy and atmospheric effects; the colour choices and lighting; and symmetry and asymmetry.
The informal or more subjective qualities may include narrative and symbolism; emotional expression; achieving a likeness; formality of pose versus informality; expressive qualities of paint application and aesthetic connections to style; and the purpose or intent of the portrait.
These formal and informal elements are part of the traditions that have come down through history in portrait painting in many world cultures. They are also the considerations that a contemporary painter of portraits needs to consider in planning and critiquing their work. Below are eight recommendations for compositional and artistic considerations when making a successful portrait.
1 QUANTITY
The amount of the portrait subject to be used
