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Sharon, welcome back! Yes, I really love the pastel ground. I also love that I don't have to special order panels and pay a fortune. What a great tip.
I definitely have the disease of not knowing when to stop on the details. For me the details are the fun part but I guess I should think more about flattering people so I can keep getting work. I know I wouldn't want anyone to paint me the way I actually look. So, I am for sure wiping out the neck line and I think I will heed your suggestion to soften the eyebrows. I should say that the eyes and eyebrows are Kelly's most stunning feature in person. Her eyes are VERY dark and deep set and her eyebrows look drawn on even though they aren't. They are just perfectly plucked (which I can't imagine since it hurts so much). Still, since this is practice and could be a sample I think it is right to do what you suggest.
You can put oils on a photograph? Regular oil paint? Where have I been?! I can use Photoshop and follow your advice but I didn't know oils could be put on photos. See, I am showing how much I don't know.
I love working from life but barely get the chance since I do so many children's portraits in pastel. The local university does have evening model sessions that can be attented. I've been thinking of doing that again. It's great for honing drawing skills. You are right about stepping back from the painting more when working from life. Photos just aren't the same but I try to make due with what I can.
Thank you very much for your help. I feel privileged to have you respond and I'm grateful for your input.
Garth, you blinked and missed my speed painting workshop? See! You can't blink. The next one will be yesterday (wink). But seriously, it will be decades before there is any hope of a worthy workshop from me--and neither of us are likely to live long enough to see one (even if you are 20). I appreciate your thoughtful comment though. Thank you. I have another speed item to post once I get time to take a photo of it. I did it earlier tonight. You can tell me if it is a wonderful experience or not. Don't hold your breath in anticipation however and please don't blame it on the cute subject.
Thanks to both of you!
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