My Elizabeth
 

Hi All,

I've been posting this over in the WIPs area. I'm just about to sign it. I think. Once again, this is my first posted oil portrait. I've been doing mostly graphite pencil portraits and have decided to go into business with my artwork.

I've only got about a dozen pieces in pencil and a few seascapes in oils sitting in my studio at present, so I haven't a huge portfolio yet. However, I've been fortunate enough to have "paying" family & friends who've decided they want to support me in my beginning efforts and they've all have commissioned me a total of 5 pieces right now to do.

Any and all comments/critiques welcome, digital enhancing is fine,

Thanks for looking,
Geary

Hi Geary

I think that the background is fine now, and the only thing I will suggest is to lighten the shadow under the mouth. By looking at the photo you see that the shadow is lighter near to the lips and darkens as the chin round under. The shadow should be lighter than the one by the nose.

And then hurry on to the next one.

Allan

I would agree with Allan and add that the edge of that shadow pattern that leaves the bottom of her mouth could more softly transition as it goes up the side of her face on our right. There are a couple of places where the dark vs light becomes a bit too sharp. I think feathering off a bit more half tone towards the dark might help.

One other thing, the line of the top of her dress on our left as it moves up toward her right shoulder and bends down, seems very sharp for what is otherwise a very soft piece.

These are nit type things, overall a very successful piece.