Struggled with this one!
 

Well, I really had to work for this one...

The face in shadow was difficult reference to work from as I didn't want to make this fair little girl too dark. But had already made the mistake of showing this particular reference to the client and suggesting I really liked the pose, could we reshoot for better lighting. Well, we tried to reshoot, but were not able to get anything near as relaxed and natural the second time around --and I was pressed by the client to use what we had ( Promise to self: Next time hide any reference photos that don't quite cut it! :bewildere ). So, this is finally done, I think, pending client approval.

Not Yet Titled
16"x20"
Oil on Linen

This is beautiful Terri. Your struggle doesn't show on the painting itself - and there is the best compliment!

Terri,

This is beautiful! Great abstract composition and color harmonies are at work in this. You are skilled to keep the portrait both very finished and very soft. Your struggle is not apparent. I like the lighting too.

Garth

Terri

I love your paintings! And I'm sure the client will be delighted with this one.

I second Garth's insight: what struck me right away were the color harmonies. Beautiful work, Terri. What an an extensive list of satisfied clients you must have! Your work has such a warm softness to it, and this style is especially effective with children as your subject.

I'm glad you included a closeup of the bunny. Oh, I meant hands!

Very nice, Terri. What if we used this in the main gallery? I could crop on the sides so it's more of a closeup.

Terri, this is really beautifully painted, with lots of touches that tell the viewer that you really know what you're doing (i.e., that necklace and its shadow is wonderful, for example). You have a fine, soft touch with children. Congratulations on another success!

Kim, Garth, David, Rob--Thanks! After repainting her face so many times, it is so good to be done with this. . . and I'm encouraged that you think she came out alright :)

Cynthia, Thanks! If you can get a good crop and would like to do that, please feel free. (You might find it goes a little flat without that dark burgundy area off the left side though. . .)

Linda, thanks for noticing the locket. That's the last detail added, just this morning-- the client really wanted it included, but it didn't show in the primary reference (it hung too far down behind her arm) so I had to 'borrow' it from a different photo and fudge it a bit.

Thanks again!

Lovely
 

This is just lovely - so soft and natural. Congratulations!

Julie, Thanks!