Peter, Tom, Chris, Cynthia, Ilaria, Enzie and Alex, thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind responses.

Peter, in this portrait most of the real darks are simply black which is easy enough to achieve. But the problem I encounter is getting the dark colors as they emerge out of the black background/shadows. To achieve this kind refined finish, I use pastel pencils. I enjoy working this way, but the darks in pencil form (aside from black) are not that dark. So for the really dark tones, I have to switch to some Unison sticks I have (and I don't have that many) which are dark and beautiful. A little awkward but I make it work for me. I'm not sure why the pastel pencils don't go very dark - maybe because they would be too soft and wouldn't hold up to sharpening...? I don't know...

Ilaria, I don't think I'm going to look at Aria again without thinking of Linda! I'm curious what Linda would think of the likeness?

Enzie, you're right, it just takes a few strokes of the right value and chroma to achieve the look of velvet and for that reason it was quite easy. It makes me want to do more portraits with velvet!

Alex, you are extremely perceptive! I think you hit the nail on the head, and as it turns out, I am working on an oil portrait of Aria - and I'm sure there will be more. She's becoming my "go to" model. Not only is she beautiful, but she understands and is enthusiastic about the look I'm after. She has an extensive wardrobe of period costumes, dresses, and understands how important clothing choices are in a painting. She is a delight to work with. Thanks.

This is scrumptious David. So soft and delicately rendered. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

Ok? It's magnificent.

So, now, I forget, why is it that you're teaching high school and not backed up for the next five years with portrait commissions?

For heavens sake. Leslie, you crazy European! I am probably old enough to be your mother, so no, I don't look like this lovely young woman.

David, I will get you for this, I just coughed my tea on my computer screen. Poor Aria! let us hope she doesn't see this thread.

And will you PLEASE stop getting to be so good, since you are making the rest of us look bad.

Aw Linda you're so beautiful! You're supposed to just bat your eyes and say "why thank you handsome young European ;) "

David, this is so lovely! It looks like you've elegantly captured an exceptional young woman. I'll look forward to seeing more of her!

Christy

Hello Mom..
crazy? Sure, but who inform you about that? ;)

I dunno, cannot explain exactly why but I see it so.... and I

Heidi, thank you so much. That means a lot.
Ummm....because I'm useless when it comes to business? ...that might have something to do with it. But I'm working on it!! :cool:

Linda, get some paper towels, wipe off your computer screen and take another good look at Aria: you could be sisters for cryin' out loud!! :santa:

Yes, any model that reminds one of Linda Brandon is, without doubt, going to be "exceptional" in many ways. Thank you, Christy.

Christy, you are right - I got on the internet last night and got flustered. I violated one of my rules, which is, "as you age and degenerate, always act as if you're the last to know". :)

Leslie and I have emailed for years and he is in fact a charming, very smart and funny European. And if he calls me "Mom" again, I will have to go over there and beat him up. (Leslie - I am not really THAT old.)

As far as David is concerned, this is what I get for sitting at a table with him at the portrait convention - I am being teased. David, you really are getting to be too good!