How to paint clerical robes...what was I thinking?

On the radio today. Catch me at noon west coast time on The Lyn Fairly and Friends Show

http://www.kvta.com/on-air/lyn-fairly/

Top image is a portrait commission just about to leave my easel. A reverend from the mid-1800s for a church collection. My second reverend for this collection. I wanted a back light on my sitter. A candlelight kinda feel. That I made up from my head.

The photo reference was minimal for this posthumous portrait. Only one ever-so grainy photo of an old 'head' portrait done of this reverend - and not a good one at that. No clothing I could count on.

So how did I do the vestments? Research. Always do your homework. I looked up other clerical portraits from the time for feel and style. Then I posed some cloth on a dress form in my studio under a light and the rest is history.

I wanted a contemporary color harmony tho' as I feel it important to paint in your own time period even if you are painting someone from a long time ago.

Hope you like.