Study for an illustration
 

I was hired to do a portrait for a publication. I am still working on this but I thought I would get some input now.

Dear Michael:

This is wonderful! The gesture and treatment speak volumes.

Tiny comments:
>The pupil of the sitter's left eye seems high and a tad small. This may be accurate to subject? Adding some shadow under lid may correct this impression. There seems to be an opportunity to add a little more sparkle to the eyes as well.

>The right nostril seems high.

>Even in this loose painterly study, I'd like to see the shirt collar less ragged along the neckline.

>The shadows on the hand going into the sleeve are all very warm. I wonder if cooling them down a bit might send the wrist back more naturally?

I love the looseness at the bottom and in background. I hope you plan to preserve this?

Excellent
 

I think your painting is just excellent. The position of the subject and the color scheme works very well; it's a very pleasing composition. The only suggestion I have is a minor one. Just below the man's elbow the large dark mass area seems to be a bit strong and too dark, it tends to pull the eye from the subject's face down into that area. Lightening this area near the elbow, and possibly breaking up the strong line will balance this painting perfectly.

Henry

He has a "Ronald Reagan" look on his face. I agree about the right nostril. Otherwise, I think it's a fine portrait, very alive and pleasant.

Good job.