Christine
 

This portrait was painted during 4 sessions of my Monday painting group. The painting is done on 11"x14" canvas board using oil. It was a challenge to paint such a complete figure in such a small space. It's not the type of portrait that the public reacts to very well but I learned a lot painting it.

Vianna

Vianna,

I find this painting quite captivating. It's very expressive and painterly. I'm not sure what segment of the public you think would react poorly to a painting like this, but , to me, it compares very favorably to the work of some other painters who do quite well, both commercially and critically. I've recently changed to a new computer, so I don't have some of my old links handy, but try searching for Milt Kobayashi's work, for example. I'll try to get some others for you as well.

I love her worldly, "Jeanne Moreau" look. Suitably titled this painting becomes a genre piece. Well done!

John

Thanks John
 

Thank you very much for the compliment. Also, I looked up Milt Kobayashi and promptly put some of his sites in my favorites folder. What a strong painter! I love the compositions and the broad painting strokes. He does not fuss over detail which is something I strive for. I would be interested in any other artist you would like to recommend. I belive the best part of being an artist is the continual learning that we must all take part in to reach the next level with our art.

Thanks again,
Vianna

Linda Kyser Smith
 

Vianna,

Here's another one that might interest you:

http://thesylvangallery.com/Artist/L...yser-Smith.htm

I think there's a substantial audience for this kind of "psychological portraiture". It has a different sensibility than the traditional commissioned type of portrait that gives it a broader appeal.

I saw your comment on your other post (I love that one too) that the mom preferred to have paintings with smiles. Well, if your models won't cooperate, I don't know what you can do about that; but in the meantime you're building a nice portfolio.

There's also quite a bit of information here on the forum if you're considering commercial gallery type sales. Also check out the long thread in the Cafe section on "When Is A Portrait Not A Portrait".

Whichever way your heading, you've got grounds for optimism.