Nora

[Molly Sherrick Phifer]

This is my first post in the critiques section. It is also my first oil portrait not done in a class. The subject is my oldest child. I used a reference photo (head only) for expression and likeness and also did some work from life. My palette included: yellow ochre, raw umber, venetian red, indian red, flake white and ivory back.

The photo could be better. I will post a new one in the a.m. This one has some rough transitions, especially in the neck area, that look much better in person. I have also posted the reference, but have not adhered to it slavishly. I am happy with the likeness.

Edit: I have posted a new photo of the painting that better represents the color etc.

Thanks in advance for looking. I appreciate all comments!

[Marcus Lim]

Hi, i awed by the accuracy of your painting. However, i'm always concerned of the use of colors for painting portraits. As far as concerned, i find the colors on the painting "too cold", though the reference photos seem to be that way. What i'm trying to say is that no matter whether the painting is on the cold or on the warm side, flesh colors ultimately tend towards the warm spectrum...does this makes sense to you?

[Molly Sherrick Phifer]

I really appreciate your reply and comments. I agree about the coldness of the colors. This a.m. I have posted a newer photo of the painting that shows the color better. Yesterday I had tried to adjust the colors, but for some reason, the red tones looked much brighter in some areas and then toning them down cause other areas to go cold.

I still think the colors in the painting itself could be better, but I'm not sure what to do with them to make them look better.

[Brenda Ellis]

Hi Molly,
Are you using white in your flesh tones? You may be using too much white, when you could lighten things with naples yellow or something warmer than white.
What colors did you use for the flesh tones?

[Molly Sherrick Phifer]

Hi Brenda,

I did use white in some flesh tones and yellow ochre light also to lighten. The tones I'm not happy with are the shadow tones on the neck area, and am thinking that maybe using the naples yellow to lighten the burnt umber and venetian red might work better. The complexion in the face looks pretty accurate to her complexion in life. The photograph of her looks somewhat yellower than her actual complexion.

I will try out some mixing experiments with using the naples yellow and see how that looks. Thanks for the tip!

[Molly Sherrick Phifer]

I remixed the darks without white, substituting naples yellow and/or yellow ochre. I ended up having to re-do the lights as well (naturally) because with the new shadow colors she looked too pasty. She is very fair, however.

Here's the update and a detail. Please let me know what you think, and see if I wrecked anything.