Michele,

I just wanted to point out that you have said you are slow. It was less than 2 months ago you posted the reference photos for this one. Considering the size and complex background, not to mention you said (I think) that you paint 4 hours a day - I'd say your working at a good speed.

Michele, this looks lovely. I think you did a wonderful job on the background composition, and the hands and flowers are so delicate and expressive. My favorite of yours so far.

Lisa

This turned out beautifully Michele. I was also concerned about the candlabra, but you pulled it off. The vase almost looks translucent.

Jean

Hi Michelle,

Beautiful painting. The only nitpicky thing that I really noticed at first was the window/curtain in the background. They seem to be at a slight angle, rather than straight up & down. Perhaps this is due to camera distortion on the source photo. But I still think you did a remarkable job!

Best Wishes,

Thanks, everybody, for your very helpful thoughts. I have implemented some of the suggestions, and the other input will help me on the next painting I do. Much appreciated!

This is the most important commission I have done to date and I'll deliver it next week. Wish me luck!

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions, both of the reference photos and of the painting I posted. Your tips all helped make this a better portrait.

I delivered this to the VIP family a few days ago. When they first saw the painting the teen depicted in the portrait grinned and said "Oh, wow!" The mom (art collector and owner of lots of originals by Sargent, Monet, etc.) smiled and said, "That's very beautiful!"

I'm so glad this one went well. They have friends in very high places, and they also have four more children that they want me to paint when each reaches their senior year in high school. (That was the purpose of this painting.)

What a big relief it was to have the delivery go so well! I fretted over this commission day and night from the moment I got it many months ago. Now I can sleep better...

Michelle,

Congratulations on this important commission.

It sounds like this family is going to impose a burdensome load on you. I just want you to know that I'm here for you. Unselfish gesture? Sure, but that's the kind of person my creditors have asked me to be.

But seriously, I think you have that rare combination of aptitude plus industry, that stuff which stars are made of.

Thanks, Mike!

Girl with a Pearl Earing
 

This is the stuff that great art is made of!

Congratulations, Michele!