The Honorable William Nelson

[Linda Eades Blackburn]

I am using safari also on a mac. Wonder why it doesn't show up on Explorer? I can't log in on Explorer because I don't know my password! Have it remember me on Safari. Guess that's pretty lazy huh?

[Garth Herrick]

Linda,

I am looking at your close-up and your draftsmanship is amazing!

There seems to be so much more to your painting technique than your photos are revealing. I wonder if these two images are more compressed as JPEGS than needed?

If I may ask, what level of compression are you using (I am thinking in terms of Photoshop, with 12 being the best but way too big a file, 10 no different than the best but still too big a file, 7, or 8, quite acceptable, and below this number, less than desireable)? I have found lately that I sometimes end up with too big a file size at 7, or 8, but that if I compress it one more time, the file shrinks to a size that can be posted, with no apparent loss of image quality. Just a tip that seems to work for me.

Sorry for the off topic digression,

Garth

[Linda Eades Blackburn]

I think it is compressed to a 3. After I save as, I click on the image to check the size (command I) as that is the only way I can figure out what the actual image size is. When I get it to the accepted size, I then upload the image and at that point, it usually ends up being about half the kbs allowed. I just can't figure that out?

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Linda Eades Blackburn

I think it is compressed to a 3. After I save as, I click on the image to check the size (command I) as that is the only way I can figure out what the actual image size is. When I get it to the accepted size, I then upload the image and at that point, it usually ends up being about half the kbs allowed. I just can't figure that out?

Well take a chance and experiment with a larger size save, because this compression level at 3 is not acceptable for your purposes! You may find when you save at greater than 100KB, say at level 7, that once this image is uploaded it is really only 65KB for Forum purposes. I also don't understand why that is.

Please follow what I advised in the last post. Save your image (going back to the original and shrinking it again. Don't re-use your level 3 image over again!) to level 8, or if you dare, 9. With all the beard detail you may well end up with a file size larger than 100KB, but don't fret! "Save-As" this image one more time at the same level 9, and see what file size you get on the second save. The image will be sharp and true, and yet be a usable file size for this Forum. Try it!

Garth

[Cynthia Daniel]

Linda,

The file size isn't the reason it's not displaying. If it were too large, it would not upload and it is uploading because I can see it when I go into Edit on your post, but the browser is seeing it as corrupted for some reason.

But I definitely think you could use a clearer image, which is what following Garth's recommendations will do. If all else fails, send me the original image.

[Michele Rushworth]

Linda, this is gorgeous! I especially like how the greenish background is used to set off the reddish tones of his skin. Very much a "living" portrait!

[Alexandra Tyng]

A posthumous portrait is so difficult to do! I think you have done a good job, especially with your lively brushstrokes.

Alex

[Linda Eades Blackburn]

Thank you Alexandra. I do find them very difficult, but I tend to work harder on them because I understand how important they are to friends and family of the deceased.

[Linda Brandon]

Hi Linda,

You've done a wonderful job bringing this man to life. I really like your use of broken color and the vibrancy you've achieved with the cool/warm interplay in the flesh tones. Posthumous commissions are tough to manage well and you should be very proud of this one!

[Linda Eades Blackburn]

Oh Linda, thank you so much. I am so overwhelmed by all of the encouraging comments that I've received on this site. I am in awe of the talent here and so looking forward to learning from the exceptional artists that seem so willing to share their experience and knowledge.