Hi from Bob in San Jose

[Marina Dieul]

Welcome Bob !
It's not forbiden to have a grin in a portrait, as long as it's well done ( take a look at Franz Hals for example...) In the portrait of your daughter-in-law, it looks very natural.

[Bob Botha]

Thank you, Marina, I feel much better about that now! I appreciate your comments and your welcome!

Cheers,

Bob

[Chris Saper]

Hi Bob,

Welcome - I hope you enjoy being a part of the Forum -

[Bob Botha]

Thank you, Chris, I have your book and refer to it often!

[John Reidy]

Hello Bob and welcome,

Your work shows an understanding of the structure of the head and face and the relationships that exist their. Good structure. And a very nice oil painting for your second one. Actually, very good no matter what the number.

I was advised early on that I should expect to fail on my first few attempts and I pretty much did. Consequently since I felt that this was considered "normal" I wasn't discouraged. Your second oil far surpasses my first three attempts (I saved two just so I can go back and look at them).

Keep painting, I'm looking forward to seeing more.

[Bob Botha]

Thanks, John for the kind words, I can use all the encouragement and advice I can get! I am my worst critic and the praise I get from my friends and relatives, though well meaning, cannot be taken too seriously! It is my hope that by joining this group that I'll receive honest and direct opinions on my work. Now if only I can get off my rump and do some more painting!