Bryson
 

Hello all,

This is a portrait of rosy-cheeked, crimson-lipped Bryson. He was a joy to paint. This is a 12"x12" canvas. Digital demo and all comments welcome.

Thanks,
Sandra

Sandra,

Why not have a fun and chirpy background like the one in your reference, instead of black, which seems too stark and strong with such a delicate little face? The eyes and nose seem a little large in proportion, but that probably has more to do with the head being proportionately small. For the size canvas you are working on, the head must be well over life size, which is often difficult to justify. It would be easier to get the proportional relationships more correct if you don't exceed life-size.

There are some beautiful color temperature shifts in the reference, especially in the hair that could add significantly more dimension to your portrait. You have too much light on the upper lip, which should be more shaded and cooler in color. A change like this will support rosier cheeks and more crimson in the lips. The blue eyes seem a little too light in value too.

You are fortunate to have such an excellent reference photo to work from. I am being a little hard on you, but I am glad you are sharing this.

Thank you
 

Thank you Garth. I see what you mean about the temperature shifts I missed out on. It's amazing to me how these things seem so obvious when I step away from it - and see it against the reference the way you scaled it. I'm here to learn, and I have a long way to go. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your critique. I also appreciate people who are hard on me. Let 'er rip!

I love your work. From the overwhelming responses to your posts, it looks like I'm not alone. You have such honesty in your vision. That's the way I'd like to paint. Honestly. Right now, I tend to exaggerate (lighten the eyes, lips, etc.) when the truth is much more beautiful. It's like my mind whispers little white lies while I paint. I'm lucky to have found this forum. Perhaps it'll make an honest artist out of me. ;)

Thanks again,
Sandra Jackson