[Christina Common]

Hi, Barbara.

You are tackling the same issues I am! I'm currently working on a General's portrait with several issues -- flag, medals, and background.

I don't feel I'm qualified to give very much advice on oil painting, but I do feel I can add input about the medals. I'm also active duty in the military and if there is one thing that describes who you are in your military uniform, it's the medals! If you look at military portraits painted by some of my favorite artists -- Tom Edgerton, Simmie Knox, and Dean Paules -- you will see all their medals included, but toned down so the bright colors don