Mike,

Writing from the Caribbean (the other side), this painting brings up the memories of our strong breezes at Mayaro, where kites fly at 90 degree angles.

I only wish you had painted more of the young lady
and also more of the background. Perhaps some seagrape trees with fruit to run with her natural beauty.

I think you're right, Jeanine. I first looked at this in a darkened room late at night, and now I have a intense backlight from a very humid Osaka Japan, and I'd agree with you that it's probably temperature more than a too-narrow value range. Whatever it is, I still do think that it would be worth experimenting to get some "relief" from the overall look in the flesh tones of a very limited range of hue and value. I'd play with it in Photoshop, but I feel so lucky just to have gotten a connection from this airport (layover), I think I'll leave it there.

Cheers,
Steven

p. s. Don't worry about disagreeing with me. I spend half my life second-guessing myself, and the other half confused.

Mike,

I think this is your best painting by far!

Renee Price

Way to go Mike!
 

I love the light and the why you made it appear. I have some photos I took in the Domincian Republic that I've thought of trying now, after seeing what you've done with that kind of light. Maybe I'll try.

Thanks,
Tammy

I really like this painting, congratulations!

Peter

Thanks to all who responded.

Your kind remarks have turned what could have been an ordinary five days in tropical paradise with a beautiful woman into something special.

I forgot to mention for all the environmentalists out there... the Manatee's of Belize are now resting a little easier after my daughter spent 10 days in July trying to make their lives a little easier. She and 7 other students joined a research team off the coast of Belize sponsored by Earthwatch.

I think you did a wonderful job on this painting. I love the fact that you didn't go too dark in the shadows on the face. I have the opposite problem. My shadows tend to go too dark in the face and then I have to work hard to lighten certain areas.

The girl in your painting looks fresh and natural. Her pose, her hair and her leaning head all suggest the end of a long fun summer day. Keep up the good work!

Thank you Denise, I am now going to update my bio to include that I have received international acclaim.

I would be interested to hear how your rigid "portrait a day" schedule this summer has worked out.

Being the disciplined person that I am, I really tried to do a painting a day in the beginning. Then, I realized that I do not have trouble with the drawing or blocking in the first layers. Getting an impressionistic likeness comes easily to me. After a few alla prima paintings, I realized that what I really wanted was to create a more realistic portrait, in other words, I needed to work on the fine tuning.

To gave myself a jumpstart by following a 10 day workshop in Wisconsin with Peggy Baumgaertner. After, I came home and painted for the rest of the summer with live models. I had a great time and I am sure my painting has improved.

In shortn the plan didn't quite work out as planned but it worked out fine anyway! :) Thanks for asking!