Dino and 2 children
 

Hi Guys,

My wife Mara is just starting out as a portrait artist. This is actually her very first original oil painting. Thoughts?

Thanks,
John

"This painting was my first attempt at an original oil painting. It followed a "practice run" in which I copied a painting by illustrator Mike Wimmer to get a feel for the medium. I took my time on this one. From the first photography shoot to the day I signed my name at the bottom, it took me 13 months to complete. My intentions were to make this my big debut piece, so I chose an image that I knew was going to get everyone's attention.

The dinosaur is so interesting because he isn't quite fearsome but he doesn't really look like a cute playmate, either. I love how he intrudes into the world of the children just enough to get his nose caught by a bit of the lamplight. Of course, the kids are my son, Taylor, and daughter, Annie. Surrounding them are toys I have tripped over many times and favorite blankets homemade by family members. My favorite part of this painting? Look closely

Nice Job
 

Mara,

I really like the dino he adds alot of spice to the piece. The bold colors used really accents the dark areas. Your painting is very similar to a series that I'm working on titled "Through the eyes of a child." It's 8 paintings that capture reality and the imaginations of children. You should continue with the same style, you definitely have an eye of an illustrator. Great job!

Hmmmm....I don't quite understand why you did this. You obviously put a lot of effort into this work but you may have stepped on someone's copyrighted painting.

Anyhow, that aside, I really enjoy narrative painting and would like to see detail pictures of the children as they are hard to see on my computer screen. I would also like to see more of your original work. You obviously have much skill and talent.

Thirteen months is a long time. I do like your work, but I could not justify spending that much time on a single piece that I never could think of selling. It appears that you don't need to copy. You are quite proficient already. I am sure we would like to see some original work.