Portrait of child
 

From Osaka JAPAN, Hello all!

This is my daughter. Her age is 8 and she is very pretty. Please, give me some comments about my work. (oil on canvas, 41cm x 32cm)

Sorry I'm not so good at English, but I can understand what you write.

The image is very dark as I see it here. I'm sure the painting itself is not so dark. I sent you a separate email asking if I could work my magic on it and repost for you, but I have a feeling you didn't see it because I saw you come on, but didn't hear from you. So, I've taken the liberty of making adjustments and reposting here. Tell me what you think.

As I see it, you are very talented. I will let the artists comment on details as I'm not a portrait painter.

I thank you, Cynthia.

I'm just started oil painting last year (except school days lesson).
I tried some ways what I thought its 'traditional way'.
But I did not get what it is, yet.

About it , I have no teachers and no friends, around me.
When I found this site(the portrait artist forum), I was very happy.

Your critique is correct, I think.
This morning, I checked my picture (original paint) under the daylight.
Its dark and dull, I recognize.

I will try crear one, next.

Thank you.

What a beautiful work, Yoshiharu!

For you to be so obviously adept after only one year is oustanding.

I find this portrait to be simply flawless. Congratulations.

Yoshiharu,

I'm not clear. Are you saying the actual portrait is that dark? Because painting very dark isn't wrong, I would just want the face to show up more. I assumed that the reason it showed so dark was due to the scan.

I can't believe you've only been painting a year either!

Hi Yoshiharu,

Great job for someone who started painting last year! My only critique is regarding the background. I really feel the portrait would jump out if it would have been painted all the same color and texture as you did above her head, which is a beautiful color! It would have also brought out her shoulders and shirt.

The shadow also has a visually awkward curve to it that seems to cut through her face under her chin. If you must put a background shadow, a good tip would be to darken behind the light areas on the figure and to lighten the dark areas of the figure so you get a seperation from subject and background.

With any kind of painting, you have to plan the path the viewers eyes will take. There has to be a comfortable flow and a control as to what you want the viewer to look at.

Congratulations!

Hope this helps,
Steven

Thank you, David.
Thank you, Cynthia.
Hello, Steven. Thanks for your useful advice.

I tried to lighten and flatten the back.
And I added some brush touches on the face.

Hi Yoshihari, this portrait of your daughter is very beautiful. The color and texture of her shirt is very striking and unusual and I really like it.

Not only do you have a beautiful daughter Yoshiharu, you have a beautiful portrait too! I hope to see some more of your work soon.

Beautiful portrait! I especially love your choice of working with compliments in the shirt and background. Her expression is fabulous as well.