Karen
 

Well, I did go back in and give her a skin little more color and deepen the shadows on her neck. So, here's how she ended up...

Thanks again for all of the feedback in critiques!

Terri - this is just beautiful!

I would darken the neck more and make it a little more neutral.

Terri,
This is wonderful. You did a great job. Congratulations!

Terri,

I love the subtlety of values in this painting. Masterfully done. Her expression captures the viewer also. This is my favorite of yours.

Nice!

Hi Terri,

Beautiful painting.

I like your choice of colors and the scale of values are very convincing. But I agree with Marvin that the neck should be played down a bit in both color and value especially compared with the dark value of the shadow in the background.

Allan

Kim - Thanks!! (and by the way your new ranch looks really neat!)

Marvin - You're right, of course! And ever since you responded I've been trying to get that neck just right... (because when I changed the neck, then I had to adjust the chin just a little, etc. etc... so probably the whole painting will be reworked by the time I'm happy with it! yikes! :bewildere ) Will post an updated image when/if I think I've got it better. I guess I should have kept this in critiques a bit longer!

Chuck - Thanks so much!

Mike - Thanks! I really had to struggle to keep her from looking like she was rolling her eyes at us (a favorite expression of hers)! It's nice to know her expression comes across as more engaging! :)

Allan - Thanks! and I'm working on it! :D

Beautiful
 

Terri,

This is such a beautiful painting, I just copied it and added it to my 'library' of portraits. It'll be there when I need inspiration!

Joan

Thanks Joan! I'm so flattered, you made my day!

Terri off the boats and on to solid ground...

She is adorable, plus has such a sparkle. Add your Mattleson touches and you have my favorite thus far too!

Bravo! ;)

Terri,
I rarely comment on oil paintings since I do not paint yet. However, I attended two juried art festivals this past weekend and not one portrait painting came close to being as beautifully rendered as this one of yours. I have enjoyed watching you progress over this forum in the past year that I have been a member. It is inspiration to me, who has yet to begin with paint!!

Keep posting, I always learn from you and what you learn!!

Thanks Beth! (not sure I understand the boats reference?) She is a spunky kid! :)

Hi Pat - I really appreciate your comments! There is a juried show at a local art center this Fall, that I'm hoping to get a piece or two in. I've also enjoyed watching your work progress (just love your latest of Christine!) I'm going to a workshop starting Sunday -my first class in over 20 years so a little apprehensive --- but hoping to learn a lot! :)

Thanks again!

Can I ask, what workshop are you attending? I was away from art for 25 years and was nervous about the Tony Ryder workshop I attended last January. But once I was there I was so absorbed in the experience I did not think about being nervous. You will get there and just KNOW you are right where you should be. I hope it is a good experience for you!

Terri, I always think of your kids in their kayaks with the little fella in the front -that was you? I could be suffering from "sometimers".

:) Beth

Oh yes-- that was my son and she was just a little blur in the background! Sorry, I didn't make the connection. :D