Stephanie and Teddy
 

Here is my latest portrait, with two closeups to follow. There are at least a dozen things I think are wrong with it, and I'd love to hear what you all think.

Thanks!

Closeup of Stephanie

Closeup of Teddy

Michele,

The one thing that jumps out at me is that the girl should probably not have picked those flowers.

I think that I would have to nit-pick pretty darn hard to find these faults that you mention. This looks like a very successful painting. Wonderful edges. What size is it?

It's 36" x 24". The reference photos were shot on my front porch, so I'd be the only one upset about the flowers -- and I picked them for her!

Hi, Michele,

I think that this is one of your best pieces. Edges are soft, lovely facial expressions, good color. This post needs to be hijacked and taken over to Unveilings where we will all tell you how beautiful it is.

Linda

I think it should go in Unveilings also. Soft and consistent throughout.

Jean

Well, Michele, now I am somewhat hesitant to post a critique on this. With it being a commission, your client might read this, and all in all it is not a bad painting. And if it was by a lesser artist than yourself, I would consider it to be very good. Although it is not the most dynamic of compositions it is pleasant and a good piece.

But since you asked, I suppose I could give my opinion.

Now I feel that the pose and composition are the issues here more than any inaccuracies. In a thread about three-in-one group portraits http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...&threadid=410, I touched on this some. I feel that an image of two is harder than of three, because it is easier to get interesting dynamic compositions with three areas of interest than with two.

I think I might have turned the girl's body to her left some so her legs and hands would be below the boy. And so her shoulders would be at a 3/4 angle to the viewer. This would make her hands and the flowers the third area of interest after the two faces. Then turn the boy's body slightly to his right so he appears to have some interaction with the girl and has only just turned to meet the eyes of the viewer.

I did a quick thumbnail sketch that I hope can give a idea of what I mean. But all in all your painting is not bad. I myself would be happy to put my name on it. :)

This is really a great piece. The colors are so natural. The drawing is well done. All the colors share a commonality which is warm and soft. The fabric is rich and looks natural. The pose is very casual and unstilted. :thumbsup:

Thanks for your helpful and kind comments, everyone. I like the feeling of calm serenity in the piece, though I think the composition is just a tad stilted.