I feel I owe the people who offered their advise a further explanation, since it seems my replies have prompted the following thread; .
I would like to clarify the following:

I purposely posted this photo in the "Composition Section", rather than "Photo Critique" after pointing out steps I have followed for proper composition handling. These I have gathered from different sources and wanted to share them with those who are as disorganized in creating their art, as I used to be. It was also meant to show that by applying the information one gathers, through a series of self-imposed questions, one can help find weaknesses and try to find ways to strengthen the composition. (After discovering certain weaknesses, I have asked the two questions.)

I have used any number of these elements throughout the years, but after being on the Forum and reading how others approach their work in a more organized fashion, I have chosen to follow and learn from their experience.

Furthermore, as a professional artist I have left these points open for comment, I never assume that I know it all, nor that one way is the only way to approach something. I value the opinion of everybody, especially those who I consider to be more accomplished in their technique and skills.

The final decision as the creator of the work, to either continue or stop with a work should be left to that individual. We all have our reasons for what we choose to do and to assume that one hinders oneself from artistic growth is wrong. To go on does not imply weakness, nor inability to handle criticism, but a conscious decision for reasons known only to the artist. Not every work will be a masterpiece and there is a lot to be gained from the failures. I also said [Ouote] Depending on the outcome of this piece, I will reevaluate its suitability for the portfolio. [/quote], This implies that I have taken the comment to heart and will reconsider my decision.

The beauty of the Forum is that artists with varying skill levels can be represented to share their experiences, techniques and viewpoints. We can all learn something from each other, whether it is tolerance of a different opinion, technical ability or revolutionary high tech approaches to creating a portrait. As individuals blessed with a creative mind, we should also appreciate the creative spirit each one brings to the Forum. To all you long time pros, intermediate and beginners: Never assume that I do not value your opinion; there is something to be learned from each and everyone!

Cynthia, I have browsed through many threads and read many posts. As a visual learner, like many others, I benefit most from things I can see rather than things I read about. So to ask to be shown what constitutes a good photo, does not imply laziness but a genuine interest.

Use or not use?
 

I love the picture of your son!!! I think with a lot of imagination and knowing how good lighting should "act" that this picture could be fabulous.

I often take old pictures and make them into "new" portraits by adding better lighting (higher contrasts) and I imagine the rest. Sometimes I just use bone structure from a model and change their hairstyle to perhaps the victorian era for instance. I like to paint the same model in a variety of different hairstyles and different clothing, etc. Using an example such as this is a good exercise in using your imagination. The reason I do this quite often is that I do not see the kind of "plumpness" in the faces that I like when doing "ladies of yesteryear". Most had lovely soft faces. So if I find a picture from yesteryear, then I use him/her in quite a few different portraits.

I think that if you did it right and made it "WOW" then it just might be a portfolio addition.

I just popped back into this thread and realized that although I don't think that this is a "paintable" picture it is a really wonderful snapshot of your son.

On a purely compositional basis, I would crop it as shown below. The chess pieces are not a good compositional element and the background ought to be simple.

Here's an idea
 

I think that it might be fun to take this picture and put it on the left hand side of a big painting with a chess board in the middle of the picture and on the right hand of the picture have a picture of him all grownup with a worried look on his face and with the chess board showing that the younger one had won! Checkmate!

Like I said, it's fun to use your imagination! OOOOOoohhh, let the left hand side be in black and white or sepia tones and fade in with full color on the right. That could be really neat. I think that I'll do that on one of my paintings.

Celeste and Karin,

You both have surprised me by dragging a piece of controversy back out into the limelight. Karin, I actually ended up with your suggested composition
with the addition of one tin soldier very close to the pointed finger. In hindsight, I realize now that I should have omitted it, but my son plays chess and thought it was cool to add it.

My son had seen me work on this painting at the time I posted it and after having done a huge painting of my daughter in

I agree
 

Dear Enzie,
Wow, that was a really great post! I agree with you 100%. I would love to see the finished piece. :)

Enzie the Eloquent
 

I want to see it Enzie!

Your posts are always so eloquently written and from your heart, and I always enjoy seeing your beautifully colored and stylized paintings.

I quote you:
Touche` Enzie

Sincerely,
Denise