Submitting for a critique

[Janet Kimantas]

This is my last kick at this particular can for the time being. I know that I have to make the arms a little heftier and the hands have some issues with size, also. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has any further thoughts on this. Thanks a lot, Janet

[Mischa Milosevic]

Janet hi, Your sitter is lovely. The proportions are looking good. Now, I would strongly suggest that you consider stepping back to the value and dead color stage. You are jumping ahead to the small forms to soon.

First establish your big darks and your big lights. Define these planes at their correct values than work in the half tones to make the big form turn. After that work the smaller planes in the lights paying particular attention to the values within the lights. Next tackle the forms in the shadows. I suggest that you consider keeping the warmth of the color a tad on the cool side. It will not be to difficult to warm it up later. Try not to think about eyes and noses rather tons and shapes

Wish you all the best.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Hi Janet,

You're not going to like this. . .but I think the best thing to do is put this one aside and start over! Yeah, I know, I know, you want to throttle me. But what Mischa is saying is true. If you squint at the photo and painting you will see. You need to pay VERY CLOSE attention to the large areas of light and shadow, and the exact value differences between them. Keep in mind that you can't break the light areas up with dark values. Everything within the light stays within a narrow value range. Same with the darks--you can't break them up with brushtrokes of too light a value. See in the photo how smooth the planes of her skin are? You are working too hard chopping it all up!

Oh, what I would give to get you in my studio for a day or two, Janet! You've got it in you, you know you do

P.S. I only suggest starting over because a) you can keep your present painting intact, b) you won't be distracted by the forms underneath, and c) you will avoid paint buildup. I did not mean to imply your painting is hopeless. On the contrary, you are so close, but the problem is all over.

[Janet Kimantas]

Alex, this is the kind of critique I want to hear. And Mischa, thanks for yours, too. And you be darn careful with those threats to teach me something useful, Alex. Although, if I turned up on your doorstep, you wouldn't recognize me because I haven't gotten around to posting an avatar! I will start again, and no hurt feelings at all. I just don't seem to paint people very instinctively...

Thanks again, Janet

[Alexandra Tyng]

Oh, but Janet, I do know what you look like. Remember the Grumpy Old Lady?

Speaking of your self-portrait, that's how I know you have it in you.

[Janet Kimantas]

I really should say that that was a terribly unflattering self-portrait!