Need feedback on an Idea about finishing with paint

[harrisg]

I've just finished a stacked portrait of my dad who passed away about about 4 years ago for my sister and myself. He had gray hair and a gray mustache so when black felt is put behind the scrolling it just doesn't look right. I'm thinking about taking some luan 1/4" plywood as a backer board and paint it gray where the hair and mustache show and paint it black everywhere else.

Would that look OK with a Fruit wood Danish Oil from Watco on the portrait? If you agree that it's an o.k. idea, I think I should use a flat spray. I'd appreciate your feedback.

BTW, I used mike's FD #1 spiral blade for this and it was great. I went through a few of them but it seemed easier to control than another portrait I did with a flat blade. It does require one more step though to clean up the back of the cut. Using a Dremel, the small drum and 120 grit tube and it was a snap. In fact it gave me another chance to check to make sure everything was cut properly.

Harris

[CanadianScroller]

I do like your idea and I agree that a flat finish would set things off. I have used glossy finishes on some projects in the past and the details are lost in reflections and glare

An alternative you may want to consider is a gradient background that is darker at one end than the other. This would allow the hair and mustache to show better.

you could also stain the luan backer everywhere but the hair and mustache,
That would also accent the eareas you needed.

[SharonW0111]

Harris --try adhering a posterboard for the back of your work before you scroll your portrait- it will keep the back clean and you wont have to sand it - I too use mike s spirals for my portraits - aren't they great - and I reied this when I was having trouble with my wood breaking and splintering-- stopped both broblems- If the back gets ragged where you have already scrolled just keep a roll of scotch tape handy and tape as you go. I use to use packing tape on the back but this saves me from wasting tape cause just the small ares seem to get shaggy in the paper- I like to use the tape instead of tearing it off but i am sure some would just tear it off. and you may want to lay a piece of cloth the basic color behind the area you are talking about before you decide to cut-- then go from there.

Sharon

[jttheclockman]

First let me say I am sorry about your loss. It is nice you want to do a rememberance portrait. I am going to go out on a limb here and maybe others will disagree but of course it is always your final decision, I do not think the grey background in this situation is going to look good. The thing with portraits is it is a ( Do not know how to say this ) replica (not sure if that is the right word ) of the person. It is not like a photogragh where every detail is there. It is a pictoral (sp) The details are the fine lines that bring out the likeness in the portrait and the dark background highlights that. In other words you are not try to capture color but features. Not sure how clear I was. I need Phils ability to use words here. I maybe way off base but this is what I think scrollsawn portraits are. Now if you are doing a segmentation cutting that is a whole different story.

[arbarnhart]

This is just my personal take on this and I was tempted not to post because it is negative. I don't like the colored backing idea. If solid black doesn't look right, then I think you need to regenerate the lines and have the hair and mustache defined by lines around and within. Again, this is just my opinion and others may have better suggestions.

Edit - I was away from the computer while editing this and I see a few responses came in before I posted. I really want to be outvoted. I feel bad suggesting a redo.

[lucky788scroller]

This is one of the rare times where I agree with john. It IS the features you are pertraying in a portrait, moreso then color. You put it just fine I think, although yes, Phil could scientifically explain the theory(I love his descriptions too). Sorry to hear of your loss, but the memories will always be there for you. Bless ya.

[William Young (SE BC)]

That was exactly my sentiments

This is one of the rare times where I agree with john

I also think a flat black background does a better job on portraits of people.
W.Y.

[harrisg]

Thanks for your replies. You're right, a scrolled portrait is not a photo. I'll stay with the black felt.

Harris

[jttheclockman]

Oh my goodness I have to save these posts. They are rare.

[lucky788scroller]

one thing that makes an excellant backer if the velvey black matte board from a framing place. You can usually get an 8 by 10 size for very little cost, and it tends to hold its color a long time without fading.


John...... no need to save em,Im sure it might happen again.