A miniature
 

Hello!

Here is my "copy" from W.Bouguereau: "The Prayer". Verdaccio underpainting with opaque overpainting. Size: 2.35 " x 2.35".

I started with this project a long time ago, but after a wrong attempt I was afraid to paint color on it. The thinned paint made "holes" in the underpainting.

I tried to catch her look upwards to heaven. I know, it is not good, but as a beginner I'm happy with this little work. In the future l'll try on copper or aluminum. I think they become better with a smoother brushstroke. Has anybody a helping comment?

Many thanks!

Original
 

Leslie,

I thought I would post the original for you.

Leslie,

How brave you are to attempt a painting so small! I have never attempted a painting this size but I can't imagine how my eyes would feel at the end of the painting session.

As far as critique I would suggest spending more time on the drawing aspect of this painting, for example, the tilt of the head is a bit off and also her eyes aren't quite on the same plane with each other (one appears to be higher than the other one). Once your drawing is an exact duplicate of the original then I would focus on painting techniques. Maybe you could try a pencil drawing of this painting and post here again. Hope this helps!

I'm not sure how long you have been painting but it look's like you have alot of potential. Good Luck!

Hello Mike,

Thank you for the "original", and your encouragement!

The time was 4 hrs. for underpainting,and 3-4 for overpainting. I made without any drawing, but immediately started with the underpainting.This was a year ago!After getting some tips from here, I do now charcoal works to establish my drawing-skill. (I'm soo impatient :sunnysmil)

Eyes: I would use lens, but it make me more trouble then help.

Underpainting is here: http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...&threadid=1793
I see, she is older now, I try this to repair. Especially the around mouth.

Cheers,
Leslie