Value study of Isabella
 

This is a value study of Isabella. I am trying to work out any difficulties that may arise once I go to canvas.

Please, I welcome every and all criticism.

I am trying to keep shadows massed. Lots of soft edges and keep the teeth to a minimum of detail.

Thank you in advance for your time.

p.s. I will post the photo I am working on after this post.

Source photo
 

Here is what I am working from.

Julia - you might get more active feedback on this one if it showed up under the pastel critiques category.

Julia - Who IS this adorable creature? I absolutely love the reference picture and the fine job you've done so far (this is in progress, right?). My only word of caution so far is to re-check the side of her neck (our left side, her right). If you draw an imaginary line straight up, you might see that it should be shifted a tad to OUR left. Widening the neck like this will also reduce the risk of her looking like a bobble-head. She would make a great Medusa in an illustration. Great hair! Are you planning to take this to polished completion, or leave it sketchy with a somewhat unfinished feel?? Good luck with it.

Completion
 

Hi Mari and Meredith,

I have just started with oils again after years of being a pastellist. So I am doing her in oils right now. I will post it in the Oil Critiques section when I am done.

She is a cutie, isn't she?

She is adorable
 

Hi Julia,

I really like it. Do you use NuPastels? I discovered them last night in a life drawing sessions and I will be using them from now.

As for values, I think you nailed it. One thing I noticed though is the neck. It is not as wide as the photo and I think it is making her look mature.

Good luck on the oil version. :)

Snapshhots vs. planned portrait photography
 

Julia, the child is truly adorable and would make an exquisite portrait. However, sometimes photos like this do not translate well as portraits. Unless you achieve a completely photorealistic finish, the child can look rather manic.

Your handling of tones and values seem to be very competent but you have set up a very difficult problem for yourself. You and her relatives know the child and would probably think this expression is cute. Any other person seeing this as an independent work of art may find the expression off putting, especially in a portfolio.

I am of course responding to my first perception of it, which unfortunately is when most people form their opinion.

I would love to see what you do with this subject, given more preparation and a better resource.

Most people think that the rendering is the most important thing about a portrait. It is not! It is the planning and preparation. The lighting, wardrobe, background, point of view, color harmony, composition, etc., all have to be considered at the outset. Once you have a direction and proper reference, then you can proceed.

Sincerely,