Abigail
 

I think I'm catching on to how to attach photos, finally! Let me know if there is a limit to postings per week? Or, if you all get tired of seeing my work???

This subject is quite heavy-set. I am really at the beginning of my portrait career, and tend to seek out a variety models to learn. This is the year I hope to expand my commission base.

Your professional insights are so helpful!

Thank you!

Nice, Jeanine. Again, very soft and loose. If you look at the painting through a mirror, you will notice the (viewer's right) side of her face seems to extend too wide. You could just carry her hair swirling down over that portion. Also, you may want to shrink the size of iris (viewer's right) just a bit to match the other. (I always keep a mirror behind me while I work. I can turn at any point and see any distortions, early on).
I hope this helps.

Mark Gil

Thank you Mark for observations... I have attached photo for your further review. She is cross-eyed as well. Finding a way to capture her character faithfully and flatter was the exercise.I shall remember the mirror exercise - a habit I know I should acquire...

You have a nice soft style here. Is this painting this quiet in contrast, or is it your camera lighting?

You mentioned the flattery issue. It is always an issue in portraiture. If you want to flatter a lady, you can do so by emphasizing her eyes, both in size and in intensity. I would have done so here a little more by making them a bit larger in the painting than they are. You perhaps have them a bit smaller than in the photo, a definate no-no. And, I would have retained the slight tilt to the viewers left as shown in the photo. It gives it that cute puppy dog look.

Great tips!, Thank you Lon!

I enlarged the eyes to illustrate the dramatic difference it makes, if you don't mind.

WOW! Thank you! I will go back into that painting soon!