[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Terri -

I have a long way to go before I am able to analyze all the little details that go into a good portrait, so thank you for lending me your skills. It took me a while of looking back and forth before I could even see what you were saying with the chin, but now I do. Looking at the two pix together, I see a lot of other differences, but it is still hard for me to be able to state in words what the problems are.

One of the best tools I've found for really seeing is this ability to "sight-size" my picture and the original photo using Photoshop. I'm going to use that grayscale mode for the original next time I do a value study.

Haven't gone on yet with the portrait process, due to getting sick again. The next thing is to do some color studies, then the painting itself. I'm taking a long time on this, due to working full-time, getting sick, finding pinholes in the canvas I ordered (wouldn't have known even to look them if it hadn't been for this Forum), deciding to add more coats of primer to it, and just life in general.

Thanks again!