Lyn
 

....For those in my classes who have watched the progess of this painting, which was delivered in April.

This was quite an undertaking. A 4 by 5 foot portrait for a client. On the back wall of the portrait is a hunt scene which took nearly as long to complete as the rest of the painting; nine dogs, three horses and three riders. The horsemen in the hunt scene are also portraits.

Peggy

Detail

Wow Peggy!

This is a real grand-manner portrait! Has it been framed yet?

Rochelle,

Yes, it has been framed in one of my favorite frames, a four inch dark gold, very handsome, not too flashy, very "rich" looking.

Peggy

Gorgeous piece. I have needed a little time to digest this painting before posting. I am particularly struck by the economy with which you have delivered the values. Without the little fluffy dog note, the painting would be diminished, and the composition compromised. I also appreciate the edge treatment in the woman's hair, in both light and shadow...it's very subtle, and it needs to be.

I also love the way you've handled the shadow cast by the foot on our right, and its attendant edges.

I am also impressed with your willingness to do the "painting on the wall" portraits and to subordinate them, as they need be.

Very lovely job.

Gorgeous, Peggy! We'll need to put it on your web site for sure.

Hi Peggy,

What a lovely, dramatic portrait. I'm struck by the catlike lines of this woman, the lines of the arms complimenting the lines of the leg, foot, etc. (Is her feline nature grabbing the attention of the little dog, perhaps?)

I also like the ratio of light to dark in this painting, it makes the drama even more powerful.

You also aced all those pearls, my own personal painting nemesis.

Congratulations on an outstanding work.

Linda

Absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!

Sight-lines
 

Once again I love your compositional command -- use of both the physical pose of the figure and the less tangible sight-lines, from the woman to the background painting to the dog and back to the woman. Everything on the canvas draws the eye in and encourages the viewer to move through the "narrative" of the painting.

There is a lot to learn by looking at this painting... thank you for posting it!

Peggy: This is quite lovely! What a great commission and a wonderful piece for your portfolio. Love the light on the form and how it directs the eye.