Rebecca, first oil portrait nearing completion

[Alexandra Tyng]

Hi Monique,

You are doing such a great job (I only wish I could pick up watercolor as fast), I hate to mention a few little things, but here goes:

There are a few places where the value contrast is too strong. The places that stand out for me are in the coat (around the pocket, under the arms, vertical wrinkles under the collar) and in the girl's face (chin, bottom of cheek, under her eyes). The exaggerated contrast results in a slightly overworked appearance. Also, the transitions in the wool coat are not gradual enough. A little more blending should do the trick.

The hair looks much better!

[Monique McFarland]

I am so relieved to hear what you guys are telling me!! You just have no idea! I knew I needed to work on the coat, and softening up the contrast on the face is easy enough..so is shaping the bow better.

I am so relieved to hear no changes to her likeness or that darn hair! lol.....that means I really may be on the home stretch after all!! Feels good, I can tell you that! Truly, I do see the coat issues...I could leave it alone, but why, if I can make it even BETTER!! I strive to really work hard on each piece until I know I just can't do anymore on it without ruining it. I'd say after tomorrow's painting day, I'll be signing it. By the sounds of it, I get the thumbs up from you guys, after the minor changes have been made.

Thank you all so much....

Monique