Betsy's Grandaughter

[Julie Deane]

This is a sample piece for my portfolio.

I'm putting it up for review as a painting, not for likeness' sake.

I'm concerned about the eye on our right being more in shadow than the left, and therefore looking uneven.


Does anything else jump out at the viewer?

[Julie Deane]

A closeup. I hope it's not too dark or too light - my home monitor is losing its lighting power and I have to check my work on other monitors.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Julie,

I think the face is wonderful. I don't see any glaring modeling problems and her expresion is very appealing.

The only thing that bothers me is the lack of definition in her shirt (and therefore her upper body). Also, the canvas size seems a bit large for a portrait that focuses on the face. Essentally it is a head and shoulders portrait, but it is at least the size of a half-figure (head and hands). You could re-stretch it on smaller stretchers, or give her a defined torso and hands. There are two reasons why these considerations are important. First, the composition could use strengthening. Second, you have a price structure. You would not want potential clients thinking you fudged part of the portrait to get away with not doing the work while charging for a larger portrait. Of course I know you are not trying to do this, but you might give that impression to someone.

[Julie Deane]

I appreciate your reply, Alex. I get disappointed when I put up something for a critique and there is no response. I'm here to learn.

This was a poor first attempt at trying to do a vignette, and I can say now that as a vignette it does not seem to have succeeded. I tried to put an "S" shape in the background to give it some sort of structure, but did feel at a loss as to what I should do with the arms.

So - here is how it looks if I cut it down in size: one 16 x 20 and the other 14 x 18.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Julie,

I like the smallest one the best. It seems to make the most sense and feels right within the dimensions. This size is not unusual for a head and shoulders portrait.

However i would still do more to make the shirt read as three-dimensional with a definite shape, not a lot of detail, but some crisp edges in the lights, maybe at the neck, with a shadow behind on the skin where appropriate. The crispness can fade towrd the edges, but I believe it is important to show the form especially around the neck and shoulders, and indicate the shape of the arms and placement of the underarms.

[Julie Deane]

Yes, I see what you mean. I'll post again after I get a chance to do this.

[Mischa Milosevic]

This is a well executed portrait and I believe this portrait reflect well the type of art you offer.

As far as critiques go I do have some suggestion that I think could be considered.

Your comment regarding the eye in shadow is valid.

Being that I am not able to point using a brush or a pencil, I find that in order to properly explain I need to making some marks on your drawing. I hope this is ok by you.

Your face is in mid tone range and no definite shadows so I suggest that the variation in tone compared to the other eye can be slight. As it is the eye sticks out because the dark value demands attention. I have marked by the eye where a mid value can be added to push that area back as well. These changes are so subtle reason being that you are working with mid tones.

The area between the eyes and the bridge of the nose does not look natural, at least to me, as I see it at this end. The highlight is to strong. If you compare this area to the highlight in the eye you will notice that there is not much difference. Skin in real life does not reflect as chrome, glass, water etc. This area between the eyes is important. The bridge that extends from nose to eyebrow can be reintroduced and better restated. Maybe some warmer hue and the same value. This is a important feature of the face that suggest the edge of the joining planes. The planes in this area, forehead, sides of nose and bridge of nose can be better defined even though that they mite not be so evident in your reference. Your goal is to suggest form and define the planes of the face. If this is established correctly you will have a work of art and not a copy.

The thickness of the cheek chin area compared to the other side is out of balance. Ask your self, what would it look like in real life.

I hope I was able to help.

All the best to you

[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Enzie and Mischa -

I will be thinking long and carefully about what to do, and take these notes into consideration.

Julie