"Skylar"
 

Thanks in advance for any helpful critiques. This is a 17 x 15-inch study for a larger full-length painting I plan to do. I will post the original slide on another post.

I did this study to help myself start thinking about color, blending, likeness -- a lot of things, and I already can see several things I need to do differently. First of all, I know I need to do a better drawing. I made the face too long for sure. I also had a "duh" moment when I was trying to understand how to blend color better and softer -- use a softer bristle. I've bought some softer brushes and plan to use them.

From reading on the posts in this Forum I realize that I should probably have lightened my shadows.

Anyway, I plan to do the larger painting on a 36 x 24 linen canvas. It will be done fairly close to the picture the slide shows, but will display slightly less of the tree. The sky showing in the background on the slide bothers me. I'd rather have a more uniform value, as you see in this study. What do you think?

Also, when I showed the study to the girl's parents (this is NOT a commission - just someone I'm practicing on) they seemed to think that I had malformed the neck because the hair obscured part of it. I think that in the full figure the view of the shoulders will eliminate that misunderstanding?

Anyway, fire away. I know I need to improve and I will greatly value any input given.

Thanks in advance.

Slide for Skylar
 

Here's a {very poor} copy of the slide I'm using. In fact, the photo I gave for the study is decidedly less dark than what I sent to you, but I haven't learned how to adequately control for things in what I send on computer. Another area I am working on - I finally got to the point that the original photos are pretty decent. Any pointers for this will be great. I have just gotten photoshop and am beginning to learn about it.

Skylar photo of head & shoulders
 

Here's a better comparison photo.

Here's a better photo
 

Found a better photo. Any suggestions welcome.

Welcome, Julie,

No doubt about it, that

Thanks Steve
 

I'll be doing a charcoal drawing before doing the actual painting. I'll try those things you mentioned in order to prepare. The reference slide is actually better for lights than this photo, which is a third generation shot by the time you see it online, so that will help some.
Thanks so much for the pointers!