I'm sure that Jean meant only to cater to my delusions.

No fighting you two
 

I said that a lot to my kids! You are not delusional, Steven, you have a precise writing style that is easy to understand and a good eye for detail. Your critiques are well written and to the point.

And Chris, your use of color brings a painting to life. I often go back to your work and study areas for the unusual combinations that you make "work". I read your book and everytime I'm stuck with something I try to make up your voice in my head. "What color is that shadow? Look at your husband, sons, grandchildren, people on the street. You are a portrait artist now, you can stare as much as you want!"

Steven, why don't you write a book, too? Then you can sit on my other side and the two of you can advise at the same time. (Giggle) Hope you like animals!

Jean

Funny you should mention that, for I have just received by return freight carrier my 583-page manuscript for an introduction to charcoal and its uses in the fine and culinary arts. [Note to myself: get steaks in the marinade for barbecue tonight.] The editors -- though I suspect it was in fact a new and untested editorial assistant, or even a so-called "first reader" -- suggested that three strong, brief (underlined four times!) paragraphs would suffice. There were also the usual remarks about contractual deadlines, yadda yadda, and some other suggestions about what I could do with my manuscript.

What kidders those publishing people are!

Anyway, while I'm outlining my views on perspective, I've printed out and "perfect bound" (nice touch, don't you think, instead of the spiral?) an unabridged set of my Forum posts, in random order. I'll make sure you're the first to know what the editors' response is.

Thanks for the encouragement.

There now exists a wonderful book on portraiture. Its perspective is broad, from the amateur to the seasoned professional. It includes many fine examples of success and failure. It includes photographs, paintings in all media, as well as diagrams. There's comedy, anger and pathos (whatever that is).

This wonderful book is now contained within this Forum's data base, just itching to be hard bound.

Josh's new haircut
 

All there but for the tweaking. Do I need to neutralize the background?

Jean

Jean,

For your tweak list you might want to look at transitions between hair and background so that edges are lost and the hair does not look so much like a hard and flat shape. Do the same between face and hair as you can see in the photo at right center of forehead.

And make the eye brows wider and softer.

Hi Jim, thank you for your reply. I've looked at your watercolors numerous times and like the strength and assurance of your work. I'll try softening those areas up. In the meantime I've painted his right hand out again. I need a permanent posable kid on call. I've also softened the background and like it better. If I ever get the hand right I'll post again. Feeling frustrated.

Jean

Done but for the sig
 

It's time to send this one to his new home. His right hand never looked right to me until I changed it to an anatomically possible position. Funny how this works. Many thanks to all who helped me here. This has been an amazing learning experience. Thanks again Steven, Chris, and Jim.

And Mike, you are so right about the book here on this site!

Jean

Oops
 

Forgot the image!

Super call on that hand, Jean, as well as all the other ways you pushed that area -- and the whole piece -- to completion.

Now you're one of the chapters in that book! (Prepare for highlighting and for notes to be jotted in your margins.)

Cheers,
Steven