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Cindy, this is truly an exceptional portrait. As has already been said, you've managed to paint this little girl in a way that transcends all of the lesser qualities, the cliche's that are so often associated with this particular subject matter; ie., an overly cute or sentimental portrayal. My first reaction to this piece is not: "Oh, isn't she sweet and lovely" (though she certainly is), but rather, "what an incredible painting!!" I think when an artist can detach from - or at least subordinate - the easy emotions, the sentimentality that the subject (this subject in particular) prompts in all of us, and instead focuses first and foremost on mastering the requirements of the painting itself - as a painting - that's the beginning of greatness. Then, ironically, the subject matter - even a smiling child in a tutu - will have greater depth, gravity, emotion.
And this is a great painting.
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