Leigh
I am a new member and have just posted my introduction if you would like to know a little about me.
This is my first oil painting. ( I have been working in watercolor). I was under a lot of pressure with this painting, not only because it was my first oil and a rush job for Christmas, but also because it was for a very affluent family in NY and could possibly open up alot of opportunities in a new market.
The photo references were snapshots taken by the family. Yes, I now know better about accepting bad photos thanks to everyone on the forum! Unfortunately, I currently have several commissions I am now working on that could win the mother of all prizes for the worst photos ever. After reading all your advice, I think it may be sinking in that I don't have to accept terrible references. Up to this point I would just take anything and then drive myself crazy.
The client did send enough photos for me to get a feel for the little girls character and also better references for eyes, hair color, etc.
I choose this one because they said it best conveyed her personality.
Some things in the painting don't follow this reference exactly. I took liberties to use what I saw in the other photos to try to improve the overall portrait.
The client was very pleased and felt I captured her perfectly. The background probably should have been more detailed but I just ran out of time (shipped the painting before it was barely dry). I told the client that because it was an informal portrait , a loose, impressionistic background worked well. Actually she agreed. Thank goodness. We are now discussing the next portrait she wants done.
Please don't hold back on your critiques. I want to learn and grow in this new medium . Thank you for giving your valuable time to help me.
I am interested in having anything and everything critiqued.
Thanks a million!!
Cynthia
"Leigh"
17" x 14"
oil on canvas
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