Yes indeed Terri - your best work to date. Such a beautiful face! Someone should start a post called "Then and Now" where we can all show a piece from 5 years ago (if we dare) and compare it to your most recent work. I'm sure many of us would be stunned at how we have grown in that amount of time. I really believe good art has more to do with how much the artist practices and observers rather than how "talented" they are.

First, Thanks so much to all of you--you've really made my day!

Sharon -- I've been trying to think through and make considered decisions on color theme/composition etc. ahead of time rather than just jumping right in and winging it. You commented on an earlier thread about how much planning and forethought you put into your pieces. I'm seeing what a difference it makes! It's nice to know that sometimes now I'm getting it right! :sunnysmil

Linda -- Hmmm... that's interesting, the indoor vs. the outdoor light, I don't think it's been a conscious choice. The more recent commissions I've gotten have been indoor settings, I was going to say because that's been the clients' choice. But now I'm sitting here wondering whether I've influenced those choices during the photo shoots (because it's easier to get a reference of the subject that works for me)?

Chris -- well, thanks! I think painting the flesh tones from life made a big difference on this piece.

John -- Thanks! And your point is well taken. We did try several variations of gaze at the photo shoot and felt the straight-on gaze was most engaging of those. In any case, I couldn't bear to change her eyes at this point...

Hi Pat! -- The workshop with Tim Tyler that I took this summer has really given me a boost, I think. I've learned so much from this forum, but somehow the direct and immediate feedback,and being shown how hit at a more subconscious, intuitive level -- at least for me... I only get to spend about 20-30 hours/week actually painting --though sometimes very late at night. I'm rather haphazard about it and paint when the mood strikes me. It could be midnight and I'm ready to call it a day, when something about the painting will nag at me, and the next thing I know it's 4am and I've got brushes to clean! Of course, on those mornings it's really a drag to get the kids off to school!

Thanks Heidi! I agree. I think also you've got to believe you can do it...

Wow, Terri, this is simply magnificent!

Terri,

Love it!! I also love the little theme you've got going with children doing their thing.

I went to the Chicago Art Institute a few weeks ago and there is a painting that has a violin in it that caught my attention. It is hanging in the same room as a JSS so you can imagine the pull it had to have to get me to look in its direction. Anyway, I just wanted to say that your violin would have the same pull. Beautiful!!

One more thing, your model is a doll.

Hi Michele-- Thanks! I sure hope the client agrees... :sunnysmil Sent her an email tonite that it's ready for her to review... I'm feeling bolstered by the response here, but always get so nervous at this stage.

Thanks Janel! Incorporating the kids interests has made things more interesting, I think...

Terri,

Make a printed copy of all these extra favorable comments to present your client. They will be thrilled with the Forum response!

I am suggesting this, because I did this myself recently when I unveiled "A Connecticut Girl: Laura at Thirteen". The parents and grand-parents were just beside themselves with excitement over the great Forum responses.

By the way, I evidently failed to mention this portrait is also my favorite of yours. :thumbsup:

Garth

I love the way you handled her head. Very sensitive.

Garth, I hadn't thought of that, thanks!

Thanks Marvin!

Terri, this is just exquisite. Her face is rendered in such a beautiful, sensitive manner. And I like the direct gaze; there's much more communication between the subject and the viewer that way. I agree that this is your best portrait yet. Brava!

Well thanks, Leslie! :sunnysmil