Thank you, Bonfim,
Yes I am happy to have here where I can see her ;)

Marina,
Aud is a fine critic, I always listen. She has the advantage of having the fresh eyes, she don't know what parts were laborious and which came easy to me.
She say's that she like the portrait, she is very kind to me.

Ilaria,
Thanks, I had a hard time with that background and I am glad that I settled with the simple solution.
Actually, I was in on your backgrounds to fish for inspiration, I like your calm, pastel colors.

Allan,

This is really a terrific portrait - simple and yet it really conveys a sense of intimacy. By that I mean that it could only have been painted by someone who knows her really well. I find there is an irony in this picture in that I get the feeling that this might be the expression and look that Aud might have when looking at this portrait of herself. Sort of like "Picture of a Woman Looking at a Picture of Herself." It really is a beautiful painting,

A lovely, wonderful portrait. Beautiful.

Janet

Allan, it is a beautiful portrait. I enjoyed watching it's transformation with the different backgrounds. Thank you for sharing the process of your artistic mind.

Oh, Allan, it is just gorgeous. We (female spouses ) should all be so fortunate.

Alllan, this is just gorgeous. :)

Allan, what can I say that has not bees said. So, please accept my congrats on a job well done!

All the best to you and Aud

Clive,
you really got me to think about this issue. Is she reading my opinion about her in the painting ?
Well yes and no. I did intend to portray her the best way that I could, to make her happy. I think that I can stand up for the result, as my own opinion; this is how I see her.
But on the other hand I am aware that those kind of people have ways to manipulate men's understanding of the world, so that we think that we are in control, which we are not.
So maybe this is a picture that she painted herself , that would be for you to figure out, right?

Janet, Enzie, Chris, Kim and Mischa,
thank you for your wonderful words. :)

Allan, such a beautiful and sensitive portrait you have made. It's such a pleasurable experience to paint/sculpt someone you love. I'm sure the both of you will treasure having this painting always.