Critiques, please...

[Michele Rushworth]

I just completed this portrait and I'm looking for critiques. Let me know what you think!

[Michele Rushworth]

This is a better scan and a closer cropping of the same portrait. Hope this helps.

[Jim Riley]

After looking at your recent portrait several times and since you asked for comment, I thought I would offer my concern for the strong reflected light on the subject's right cheek which seems a little too light and doesn't describe a form consistant with the shapes on the other side. The shadow from the glass frames could be underplayed also. It draws more attention then it should. (I don't like to do glasses or teeth)

Good job.

I hope this is helpful.

[John de la Vega]

..overall, a beautiful job. You have a clear, strong image, and what seems to be a good resemblance. I have some minor concerns:

The composition, while acceptable, could use a little more difference of negative areas behind the head, even as, wisely, you placed the figure 'off-center'.

Sameness of lighter color / value on both sides of the face, again, while acceptable and 'credible', takes away from artistic interest (if it is indeed as close as it appears on your scan). In general, I am of the theory that we should openly vary qualities, in color, value, texture, etc., on 'either' side of background, or in any sections of a composition involving an axis, horizontal or vertical, unless 'repetition' is a deliberate and obvious choice, a 'must - have' component of the visual concept.

The smile is a bit frozen, which could be easily corrected with slightly softer edges, or more varied edges. More variety of edges could also apply to the rest of the painting, not just 'contour' edges but other transitions as well.

Michele, I'm am being picky, and in no way I mean to question the quality of your lively portrait. Such 'aliveness' speaks highly of your sensitivity to capture the essence of your subjects, not always present in so many photo - derived portraits.

[Michele Rushworth]

Thank you, John and Jim for your comments. They will help me immensely as I progress on my next piece! (A double portrait of two Chinese girls, which you may see here eventually.)

[Karin Wells]

In general, I make an effort to paint a figure with their mouth closed. I realize that you really can't change this feature at this stage of your painting, but I would suggest that you consider this in future paintings.