1st oil in 7 years!
 

I was inspired by this site to paint this attempt at an oil of my granddaughter. I improvised the background from some other photos. The colors are a little more vivid in this digital image than in the painting, especially the flesh tones. I could not do better. Photoshop auto adjust over does it a bit.

It's a most lovely and wonderfully executed piece, Lon. You may have taken a break from oils, but somewhere back there you obviously had them all worked out. You've masterfully handled the foliage -- my weakness, still, owing to the least time spent on it. It looks like the subject's granddad must be pretty enamored of her, and the fact that he so lovingly did the painting will greatly enhance its value as heart's treasure. Well done -- what a gifted fellow you are.

Steven

This is beautiful Lon! You two are so fortunate to have each other! I'm amazed by the fact it's been 7 years since your last use of oils! I too have been inspired by this site to attempt a painting...all I've done is pastel, charcoal, pencil, and pen & ink. I just hope to produce something even a fraction as good as what you've done here, as well as what I've seen from the others. I'm curious...what does your granddaughter think of it?

Meredith

She hasn't seen it yet. I have completely redone the face and hands. It is better. I have her on Thursdays - Grandpa day. I will post it again in the critique forum Friday after I finish it. I learned a great deal on this one, as I have never painted with the benefit of a digital camera to scream at me what values are wrong! I have taken dozens of pictures, blown them up, and seen the flaws graring at me that I did not see while painting. Interesting, eh? I only started it Tuesday. I am a tornado. I can't stop once I start. I am very disappointed in the camera I have, though. Its resolution is so low. I guess I need a better one. My photos come out with so little detail, and the digital camera emphasizes the value differences more than they are in the painting. It makes them too hot. Really a different way to paint - digitally aided.

Thank you for your encouragement! Isn't this great? Thank you Cynthia for this great site. We really appreciate it!

Lon

You're welcome Lon! I'm so very, very pleased that the forum has become so valuable to so many.

I trust that this painting will be treasured for generations...and not just because you did it. Nice job.

Oil of Mariah
 

This is the reworked painting from the post in "Unveiling". Almost finished. I decided to keep the colors of the dress a warmer blue, as the rest of the painting is already so cool in value. I had to do alot of work on values here, as the camera screamed wrong!

Splendid results, Lon. Everything you worked on moved this toward the beautiful picture that it is. I'll bet you're hooked now!!

Steven

Oh, thank you! Yes, I am hooked. In order to succeed in art, you have to recognize that you are good enough to start with, and know you are bad enough to want to improve. I know I am bad enough to be embarrassed at the values in the flesh tones still, and the weaknesses in the likeness. Ya gotta know when to quit, though. I think there is still more work to do here. I really want to improve, and maybe looking at your works here and seeing your critiques, I will learn. I regard these masters with high esteme.

I like the way you reworked this painting...good job.