It seems that getting the larger value shifts correct will be much more important than those smaller areas you were asking about.

Take a look at the monochrome version of your painting that I posted just now, alongside the reference and -- this is really important --squint.

The face in the painting lacks a three-dimensional quality because the values are much closer overall than what the reference photo shows. The left and lower parts of the whole head need to be darker to create a sense of roundness.

The same is true with the overall value of the bodice of the dress. Because the plane of her chest is vertical, and even facing downward slightly, it is much darker than the upward facing plane of the skirt.

I think that getting these large value masses correct will make a very big difference in the painting as a whole.

Squint, squint, squint!

Michele,

I have to appologize for not being able to reply right away to your suggestions. I have been extremely busy.

I had worked some more on the painting and had actually done some of the things you have suggested by using the monochromatic setting through Photoshop. I still don't know what to do with the shadow next to the eye though (viewers left)and have to find the time to check out toddlers at the park on a sunny day.

Well, I just wanted to make sure to thank you for taking the time to offer suggestions.

This example may make it easier to see what I mean. Using the eyedropper tool in Photoshop, I grabbed a sample of the values from the lower left and the upper right areas of each baby's face.

In the photo reference you can see that there is a huge difference in the value of those major head areas. In the painting, the value is almost the same when comparing the upper right to the lower left of the head.

Photoshop is a great tool for clarifying and checking this sort of thing, but if you squint, the difference is also quite apparent.

Hope this helps!

Michele,

What a terrific graphical demonstration of your point!

I agree, and great illustration, Michelle.

Furthermore, once you get those basic values and large shapes correct, you'll see where placement of the features is off, throwing "likeness".

That dress, by the way, is absolutely fabulous.

Enzie, you wrote:

Doing that won't help you, and will actually make things much harder for you.

The value of that little shadow is important, yes, but just a tiny drop in the bucket compared to the importance of the value issues you'll need to sort out first in the overall head.

Also, looking at other kids' heads with vastly different lighting angles will cause you far more confusion than help. Just study your original photo.