What went wrong with this one.

[Matthew Severson]

This is a quicky that I did to practice skin tones. Unfortunately I made many, many mistakes. But this doesn't distress me too much, because it is my first portrait. (And I'm only 16.)

First of all, I used the wrong imprimatura. It is way too warm. This led to a number of problems, one being that her skin turned out way too bright. (The photo even makes it brighter.) She looks like a lobster with blush.

The second problem with this portrait is that I had to use a wallet sized photo that had almost no shadow at all! Her face was completely lit, so I had to work out the shadow myself. Big no no.

I'm no Marvin Mattelson yet!

In my next portrait I will be sure to use a cool, light brown imprimatura.

Matthew

[Michele Rushworth]

Welcome to the Forum. You can be very proud of this, as your first portrait effort, and at age 16! You're painting much better than I was at twice your age.

I don't know if the color of the imprimatura was necessarily wrong. I think it can add a nice warm undertone. Most portrait artists I know who paint on a toned canvas use a cool imprimatura of something like what you'd get with a raw umber mixed with ultramarine, though.

I think the biggest issue is one you've already identified: poor source material. I can hardly wait to see what you do with some good photos.

You might want to check out the resource photo threads and take some of your own shots (properly lit, etc) for your next portrait. I'm sure it will be a knock out!

[Linda Brandon]

Hi Matthew, and welcome! I admire you so much for posting your first-ever portrait. Good for you.

I hope that your youth won't prevent you from jumping in with your opinions on the Forum, especially in cases where other artists are asking for help or advice on a painting.

Meanwhile, I wouldn't worry too much about color "problems" if I were you. I would concentrate on producing as much work as you can and not to be too self-critical.

Best wishes,
Linda

[Matthew Severson]

Well, here it is a little further down the road. I actually shoved it away not intending to do any more with it. But my mother begged me to try to finish it because "it would be a great gift for your aunt" (whose daughter this is).

But I have no intention of forcing this painting on anyone.

[Chris Saper]

Dear Matthew,

Welcome! Your aunt will be thrilled. Tell her you will only let her have this portrait to her if she lets you take your own photographs of your cousin next time!