I think I'll do this one "as is". No changes to the background or colors. I'll use a 9" x 12" watercolor block. If it comes out as a striking piece, then I might transfer it to a watercolor canvas panel.
By the way, this would be a good point to highlight how I chose what to paint. It's true that for now o use reference photographs. However, I often decide on a specific feature to paint. For example, my next portrait focuses on just the models face. The original photo had a lot more detail.
Part of my responsibility as the painter is to help you focus. So, part of what I find myself doing is helping you see what I see. On our recent Alaska Cruise, I found that what I see and what is actually in front of me can be completely different. When I take a picture of the scene i discover just how different the two are .. what I see and what's really there.
Our take the example of the painting from the photograph by Julia Voronova. I titled it "Elvin Girl". Again, I found that part of the photograph was visual noise. No need for that. The tighter image is more striking. Then as you note the hair structure, you note the strong parallel lines. And the illustrative painting was born.
