Libera W.i.p.
 

This is' the first stage of a painting ( on canvas 45x55cm ) that I'm working on these days. It 'a portrait of my mother. Her name is Libera.

Hi Brunella.
The underpainting looks very well done. I'd only ask you why you chose this pose. Several issues concerning the composition are between this nice brushwork and a successful finished portrait.

I really liked this pose, instinctively, and also in the composition, but any good advice is well accepted.:)

Brunella,

I agree with Ant that this is a very good start. In my humble opinion I think the hand does not read well. I believe you are going to end up with a very nice portrait that is distracted by the posing of the hand.

Just for the sake of exercise I have made a modification to the composition. Something for your consideration as you go forward. The bottom portion could be in vignette with some sweeping brush strokes.

Best of luck

Thank you so much, Mike. I will hold in high regard your opinion. In fact, it seems to work better.

:)

Yes, the issues in my oppinion were the hand (actually the whole arm is in bad position), the table, the colar of the blouse in the back and the neck forming a straight line with the chin and cheek. It's also twisted, showing perhaps too many wrinkles.
As for the arm and the table Mike, the wizard of digiphotos, have found a great solution :)

But if your mother is close, I would consider arranging another pose, thinking in advance. Make some sketches first and after you decide which one is better you try and put her in that specific position.

Thank you, all :)
Let me explain better. In truth, it is a surprise for my mother. She do not know anything. I could not do a better photo. I used an excuse. If I had insisted, would understand.