Pastel of a lovely girl (my first post)
 

Hi all,
Well, it has taken me two years to dreg up the courage to post. During that time, I have learned SO much from all of you. Thank you!! I have read virtually every post on this forum, and I don't believe there could have been a better way to invest my time during these past two years. I had a hard time deciding where to post, but I do work at my art full time, and my portraits are the sole support for a family of five, so I decided on this board. As for the "seasoning"...well, it will be a while before I can say I have that! This has been delivered, or I would have put it on the critiques board. I am working on an oil now that I will post there before long.
OK....here goes!! (Gulp)

Louise T. Dailey

Dear Louise,

A long and belated welcome to you! And what a very lovely portrait! I am so glad you have decided to participate, and I know the other members will feel the same.

Please post some closes-ups - we can work on getting that image larger as well . Look forward to seeing your oil.

Louise,
No need to gulp. The piece is lovely. Is it pastel and what size is it? Your work sure looks seasoned enough to me.

Thank you!
 

Richard and Chris- I appreciate your replies. Yes, I know I need to get the size bigger. It was a small miracle that I successfully posted an image at all, so my next gaol is to do it in the ideal size:-). In my nervousness, I also left out the size of the piece...about "18 by 24". It is pastel on LaCarte. This sweet girl brought the shawl to the photo shoot (her cousin made it) and she was wearing her aunt's pearl jewelry. I had her take her sweater off and we used just the shawl! Chris, I have read your book through many times, and have used it easel-side for a long time. My copy looks very well loved!
I'll work on those close ups. Thanks for the welcome.
Louise

Welcome, Louise!

One's first post is always a nervous experience. I can relate. What a lovely portrait! I love the sunny warm understated smile that makes your subject so engaging.

Again, a belated welcome,
You know, we all have so much to learn from you too. I am impressed that you fully support your family by your portraiture. That is no small accomplishment!

Garth

Ok guys, is that better? I actually changed this a bit after the photo was taken...knocking back that reflected light on the right of her chin. Garth...as far as my supporting our family with my painting, no one is more surprised at this turn of events that I am. It has taken a lot to get to this point...a lot of blood, sweat and tears in each portrait, a lot of *hours* put in, a lot of attention to customer service, and a lot of prayer! I am having a glorious time, and the best part is that there will always be much more to learn! What a cool job.

Your portrait is lovely, Louise! Her expression is just right--you've captured a momentary expression that is also timeless. I am so glad you've decided to participate on this forum.

Louise,
I know what you mean by "gulp". I introduced myself 2 days ago and my hands are still shaking.
It's a nice portrait, the light is beautiful.

I feel so welcomed!
 

You have all been kind to respond. Thank you! Alexandra, I feel the same way about her expression :-). Marina, I just visited your site and was positively blown away. "peinture

Welcome, Louise, nice to see you (and your lovely work) here!