Cara and Sam
 

Had to put this away for a few weeks while I moved and set up my studio. But the clients don't want it until their addition is complete. Will be calling them today...

Thanks for looking

Pat - really nice. I love the way the little girl's hair looks so wispy. What size is this and what kind of paper did you use. I'm sure your client will cherish this.

Hi Patti,
Glad you like it. I did this on Canson Tiennes and I have not cropped it yet for matting and framing. Each head is about 6-7" and I am playing with framing ideas. I kind of like the squared rather than rectangular composition. What do you think??

Pat - your drawing is really solid - you did a great job with these.

I have to wonder, though, about your choice to float the heads in space?

Perhaps just a hint of body - to ground them. It could be no more than a line drawing that trails away to nothing - just an indication.

The floating head phenomenon is more than a bit disconcerting in what is otherwise a very sensitive rendering of these adorable kids.

I agree. Nicely done!

David

Hi Cindy,
I welcome your comments and would like more feedback, perhaps now it should be in drawing critiques. anyway, the reason for this composition is that the ref pic was very severe lighting with very little showing of their bodies, the twist of the girls's shoulder particularly unnattractive to me. So after trying several compositions, and probably because of my lack of experience, I decided to give it a Norman Rockwell look (after viewing some of the drawings of his kids). Maybe I should add Cara and Sam in block lettering like Rockwell used to do?!!

Pat, forgive me - I just realised that I was not supposed to critique.

I can remove my comments if you wish - I feel just terrible.

Sheepishly,

Cindy,
Please, don't feel bad at all. I always welcome comments and I value your insight. No apology required AT ALL!!!

David,
Thanks!!

This is your strongest drawing to date, very solid and dimensional. I would leave a little more space on the bottom. Her chin is a little too close and I think it needs more room below. Well done. You should be proud of your progress.

Hi Pat,

I like this a lot, you've come so far. This is delightful and sensitive. I agree with Marvin completely, crop it and call it done.

Jean

Hi Pat! I remember these two cuties from the Reference Photo section. Very nice job and from such a difficult reference!

(You must be psyched to be in your new studio!)

Marvin,

As I mentioned to you, while finishing this portrait, I tried to apply what I learned in your workshop, ie. using values to turn form, THINK SHAPES, and resolved problems by looking at shapes objectively, then looking at shapes subjectively, to get balance...

Now, I am so eager to begin my next commission...a posthumous PAINTING of Mother Theresa of the CSJ's. I know I will be posting in WIP often for this one!!

Jean and Terri,

Thanks for your positive responses. I will crop giving more room at bottom, frame it and deliver it - YES!! I feel better having my esteemed artist community's ;) thumbs up!!

Pat,

I thought I had already commented on this one -

Way to go! It looks beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing the next one!

Such a sweet and delicate look coupled with strong drawing. Yes, it does have a Norman Rockwell quality, which is a compliment to your skill!

Thanks Kim and Laura,

Your comments boost my confidance! I still haven't drummed up the nerve to contact the client to tell her this is ready. I spent all day Saturday just matting it and getting it ready for delivery (without frame, since she is going with me to framer). This is my first commission with a person who is not close to me, not a total stranger, but a relative of a friend.

I was not prepared for how daunting delivering a finished piece is, more so than actually completing the portrait!!! I'll call her today - later today........ :bewildere