Lisa, this is just stunning. I love your skin tones and the sari is just beautiful. I would submit this to many competitions, because it's definately a show stopper.

I'm blushing
 

Hi Henry! Well if that isn't one of the nicest things you could possibly say, I don't know aht is but I woul dlike to find out some day! Thanks so much.

Enzie, goodness, thanks. I think I have said before that I have never entered a competition in my whole life. I would like to do it but it makes me a little nervous. You are very nice to suggest it. I just may give it a shot soon. Thank you again. I am happy you like the painting.

Whoa, Lisa! This is tooo goood! Every other compliment has been used already, and I 1,000% agree with everyone's accolades.

Enter this one in some competitions. You have just today, Labor Day and Tuesday left for the....

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Competition

......deadline, if you have not already entered (I just completed my entry submission). You may enter one work only. Do it!!!!!!

Anyway, how do you so lovingly render oil paints as though you were using pastels? I had to keep double checking that this is an oil. Those details are gorgeous!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Garth

I agree with Garth, Lisa.
DO IT!!!!!!!!

Yes!
 

Enter this portrait!

You can upload entries online. Piece of cake.

Garth, well thank you for the compliment! I am going to have to come take vocabulary lessons from you. You always seem to have such eloquent posts. I bet if you wanted to tell me the painting looked like dirt you would find a way of saying it that would make me proud to hear it. ;)

Thanks for the competition thoughts. We'll see...

Alexandra, thank you for your confidence. I'm getting closer to giving it a shot. It just seems to be too simple of a portrait for such a large competition. Hmmm.

Molly, thanks! Okay, the peer pressure is working. Hope I didn't insult anyone by callilng you peers. You are all so talented. Now I am thinking I might pop for the entry fee.

Thanks!

Simply stunning!

.....I gotta get back to work :exclamati

Thanks, David! What stunning piece are you preparing? I am holding my breath for your next one and I am about to pass out. Don't hold back. I can't wait!

Hello,
i have simply no words..It's beautiful. I think that the second background is better than the first..right choose.
I love the eyes and the dress specially, but I admire your softly and gently in this paint.

Luca, thank you so much for your thoughtful words. I am glad you like the second background. I think it makes it better so the focus is on the subject. She is a lovely person to paint. I am grateful for your comments.