Livia

Deborah Barton · 08-12-2005, 05:11 PM

This is a recent portrait of one of my stepdaughters 'in her element'. I had struggled to settle on a suitable photo of her that she also liked, until this one, taken on an impromptu sailing trip on her graduation day.

Marta Prime · 08-12-2005, 06:15 PM

This is quite a lovely portrait, I found myself drawn to it right away. The only comments I offer are really nit-picky.

Maybe it is my monitor, but she appears rather orange, as if the sun was setting. It really is lovely in its own way, but to me, the background does not indicate that is the time of day you were going for.

I'd like to see more contrast in the face, more highlights where they are indicated, and more darks... for instance I don't see the slight furrow between her eyes as she is squinting a bit at the sun. I think a little more contrast would make it more dramatic. Too many middle tones, but other than that, the painting is really awesome!

Deborah Barton · 08-12-2005, 06:27 PM

Sorry, the image is way too saturated! I'm not sure what happened, because it doesn't look like that on my monitor. I'll try to correct it and upload a new image.

Deborah Barton · 08-12-2005, 06:42 PM

Well, here goes. I hope this is better. Notwithstanding the oversaturated image, you're certainly right about the wrinkled brow. That should help her look more natural. As far as the time of day, it was late afternoon in early May. Thanks for the extra set of eyes!

Marta Prime · 08-12-2005, 07:43 PM

Much Better! I guess I should have realized it was mostly a saturation issue, uploading accurate pictures of paintings is a skill in itself, and one I haven't ever mastered correctly.

Patricia Joyce · 08-16-2005, 11:32 AM

What a fun piece - alot of personality. I don't dare critique as I am a student myself, but I do enjoy looking at it!