Nine months of labor
 

I finally finished this, my second oil commission. I'm pretty happy with the end result and I learned sooooo much in the process that I'm sure the next will be much better. I never underestimate the power of taking workshops, Marvin's workshop helped me build my confidance back up to where I could go in, remembering what he drilled into my head and finish the piece.

Thank you for looking.

Patty,
and you pulled it home perfectly. :thumbsup:

It is nice and clean, and logical in every sense regarding color and composition, just like it should be for a first attempt.

I like the dark pink in the shadow, it tell's a lot about all the other elements in the painting.

Thank you Allan, your response means so much ...

Hi Patty,
Very nice skin tones & her eyes have a nice depth & sparkle to them - well done.
Congratulations on finishing your second oil commission! :)

Thanks, Terri. I just visited your website , very nice.

Patty,
I'm glad you finally finished this! I especially like the solidity and colors in the flesh and hair. The eyes are very convincing, too. Can we have some close-ups?

Good work, Patty!

Thank you very much Alex and Tom. I will post some closeups when I am back in my studio in a few days. Your compliments are very reassuring.

I delivered the portrait last Saturday and the parents (and neighbors) enjoyed the "unveiling". Mom cried and daid remarked, "now I will have my children forever at this age, this means so much". This is what I work so hard for, among other things, the joy of watching authentic reaction from my clients. I love's the sister's comment to her younger brother, "hey, it looks just like you, Dork!"

Congratulations, Patty, on getting this "baby" to the family. Love the sister's comment!

Thanks, Julie. Yeah, we all laughed at her comment. Here are a couple closeups...

The skin is very lifelike--smooth and solid--good to see the close-ups. I can see the influence of your studies with Marvin, yet it is your own style. Thank you for posting these. Patty!

Thanks, Alexandra!

Congratulations Patty. I had no doubt they'd love it. I proud of the way you battled through this one. The greatest opportunity for growth always comes when things are difficult. When things go smoothly and we're not challenged, it's easy to go on auto-pilot. Not to say we can't enjoy the less challenging opportunities either! ;-)

Learning to paint is the second hardest thing for a human being to master. I know you will take what you learned here and use it as a stepping stone for future commissions. I think your biggest problem was your preparation, or the lack there of, regarding your reference. More care in the beginning equals less hassle in the end.

I'm proud to see that you took what we focused in on in the January Atlanta workshop and used those things to try to overcome the inadequacies of your photos. Imagine what it will be like the next time when you work from good ones. I'm excited to see the results.

Alex I thank you for your astute observation regarding the influence my teaching had on Patty. It's very important to me that my students maintain the character of their own intrinsic way of working. What I try teach is the underlying thought processes that I see underlying all great painting, regardless of how tight or loose, or how academic or expressive.

Thanks, Marvin. I have begun a painting for my own pleasure with a reference photo I have had for six months, been dying to paint. And the beginning IS going more smoothly! I definately tend to learn things the hard way, but I always trust the foundation you have helped me lay.