Kevin,

For starters, have a look at an article written for the Art Renewal Center by my instructor, Peter Bougie:

www.ArtRenewal.org/articles/2001/Bougie_Studio/bougie1.asp

Kevin,

Congratulations on reconnecting with the right side of your brain. Your drawing skills are very good. I believe that drawing is like riding a bike. It doesn't take long to get back in the groove. Drawing is the most important skill if you want to pursue portraiture so you are ahead of the game in that respect.

Plopping a head down in the middle of a page is not the way to become a portrait artist of great renown. It's ok if you want to do quick portraits on the street. A great portrait is someone's likeness trapped in a work of art. I said that.

You must plan your pictures considering all elements and try to achieve a pleasing composition. Study Ingres, Lord Leighton, and Bouguereau as fine examples of great draftsman who also mastered the art of picture making. You have been blessed with a fine talent, but talent is not enough. You need to develop an all around game.

Steven,

If only I had a mentor while attending Art College. Because I was on an Advertising/Graphics course I was strongly discouraged from using oils or even emulating the "masters". It must have been a great inspiration for you in such an environment.

Chris,

I have decided upon adding a t-shirt to this painting and have already taken the necessary photos. It has horizontal pastel stripes similar to the colours used. I have just finished my second pastel and will be posting a new thread for comments. I hope it meets expectations.

Marvin,

Strange opening comment! Sorry, I'll rephrase that. Strange in that the book by Betty Edwards, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is what rekindled my interest in drawing/painting. I walked into a discount bookshop just to have a look around, the previous edition was on sale and I was intrigued.

I couldn't agree more in that drawing is the most important skill but at times I feel as though I

I'm going away for a few days so thought I

Detail.

Kevin,

I really like this much better with the shirt! Good work!

Kevin,

I think you've brought this piece way up with the addition of this shirt. Good judgement, good choice. With the addition of the strong colors into the shirt the background need not speak so strongly.

You're going to have to make some decisions as to where to stop this piece on the bottom. It looks like the hands may fall very close to the edge of the paper, which may cause some problems. May I suggest looking at something close to your cropped version as the finished piece?

Love this piece - it really speaks to me. Your color, since adding the shirt, has really brought this one together.

I agree with the suggestion of the cropped image that Mike mentioned. It is going to be interesting to see what you decide. Ultimately, of course, it's your choice, and what makes you happy. Oh well, and composition too, I guess. So far you are right on track.

Can't wait to see the finished product.

Mark

Kevin, I do love the face and believe the shirt addition really keeps your eye from getting confused. I wasn't sure where to stop before, kind of ghostly...meaning the figure was evaporating up to me.

I am sure this is not where I should ask this of you, but I would love to hear more about your transition from commercial (graphic) arts - portrait arts. I did the same thing last year and have loved every minute of it. I am new and did not notice if there is a general chat thread area. I'll take a better look.

Isn't all the above input fantastic? Who'd have thought Chris Saper and the rest of these wonderful teachers could give you input. In awe here! :sunnysmil

Big smile on my face. :) Why? Because this whole experience is incredible. I live in the UK and sadly have had no dealings within the "art world" for quite a number of years. I'm struggling to find adequate "local" resources and information. Yet across the pond in cyberspace is this jewel. When I was younger, I would have given my right arm to have the friendly advice and information given here (by the way I