Final Version of Skylar

[Steven Sweeney]

Hi, Julie,

You'd emailed, asking for deletion of one of the images, but perhaps it's already been done, as I can't see anything here obviously needing to be deleted. In any event, I think you're in good shape here, so I'm going to leave things as I found them.

As for that bit of pigment that keeps wanting to sink in, try dipping a point of cloth into linseed oil and rubbing that area lightly in circular fashion. With a dry part of the cloth, "mop" off any obvious excess. That should hold it for a while.

[Julie Deane]

It appears the lighter image was deleted, which was what I was hoping for. I'll try the linseed oil.

Looking at the picture, I realized I made the side of the mouth on the far side from the light too light a value, so I took off the little bit of light color I had added there. Any other suggestions? I look at the photo and my painting, and there seem to be plenty of differences. The drawing again? Not that I am going to start over drawing now, but would like feedback, and I will make what changes I can. If no other comments, then I will contact Skylar's mom to make sure I've gotten the eye color closer and the cleft chin as she prefers, and will call it quits.
This marks a year since I started drawing and painting again (I had not done anything seriously in about 20 years). What I have learned in this 12 month's time includes:
1. I can't paint a good picture if it's not drawn correctly.
2. Take my time! Study the form!
3. Good brushes will make or break a painting.
4. Values, values, values.
5. Don't be satisfied with the first composition you come up with. Play around.
6. Get others' advice to help you see what you can't on your own.

So - thank you Steve. Because of your advice I picked a different photo than what I was originally going to use. I kept on drawing because of your feedback. (And I still have a long long way to go on that). I changed my composition because you noted how plain and without much going on the bottom half of my original drawing was. Your comments really help and I am in awe of all the help you are willing to give anyone who asks.

And thanks, Chris Saper, for your helpful tips on adding some blue and purple highlights to the hair.

You guys are all so nice and helpful!