Patron had conversation with other expert on technique, opening long conversation with I and he on goal of personal efforts. Likely long transcription, have patience. For those not with patience: TL/DR: understand goals, focus on goals, stay true to personal path. My personal path desired of period skills.

Two current commissions in queue are 15th C French style, portraiture requirement involved. Several portraits in recent results, however most work being 12th-13th style. Earlier period style being more representative than realistic, shift in technique happens with masters as later period art spreads. Similar imagery seen for border fill, with flat-look beasts or cartoon-esque representations being replaced by what could be called “still life” types representation of items and artifacts. (Durazzo use of stringed pearls and flower planters for example)

Discussion of Patron centered around ‘what makes portraits work,” artistic execution and tools, tricks and techniques to remedy. Well known detail, people not symmetrical, and small mis-synchrony delivers personality and identifying ‘realism’ to mind of observer. Portrait artist leverages shading, details, lines of color shift and perspective to acheive simulation. Difficult to observe objectively, and notably – many microdetails viewed subconsciously. Reorienting brain for vision takes time, effort and pratice.

One suggestion from notable source: use modern copy techniques such as projection and tracing. Similar techniques very period in certain cases. At point here, conversation with Patron shift to goals and achievements. In period time, illuminators existed in several layers – primarily copyists and masters. Masters paint originals, artistically created. Copyists would use several techniques duplicating miniatures used in previous or known works. Note – use of word “copyist” and “master” not intended to diminish skill or talent of artisans, but to differentiate between levels of original works. Neither better or worse, but certainly different.

One way to achieve good portrait takes projected copy of image. Modern techniques abound: Light board, window, reverse projection naming few. This allows tracing primary dimensions, getting features and scale appropriate to given original. Doing so saves time, energy, and assures accurate dimensionality – where artist can focus on paint techniques. In period, piercing and projecting also known. Common to find same illumination for given sections in Hours or Liturgical books. Annunciation, Crucifixion, ressurection scene often identically reproduced across multiple works. Pinpricks found in originals showing techniques, etc. All this known. For these, however, an original must exist. What I call “masters” are artists creating originals. Artists like this trained for skill in creating originals.

Discussion with Patron on differences, and desire as artist. Thinking heavily on these topics and looking at desire as artist. Patron sets goal for artist growth in each commission. Personal desire to focus on period materials, period techniques and growth as artist to grow skills as creator of original works. Copy options exist, choices made personally to practice and grow outside, learn and keep learning skills and eye for creating freehand. Likely this choice will result in continued “not photographically perfect” results, however, each art piece demonstrating uniqueness, and period appropriate not-perfectness. While Patron does his best, still this pursuit not able to be full-time life-focused work, meaning growth will be deliberate.

Choices made.