Betsy complete
 

You all are probably tired of seeing this in WIP, but I wanted to post it here and say again Thank You to all who gave me input and encouragement.

The client is happy with this. I am too.

I have to say a thank you to John Michael Carter who gave me the hint about softening edges and showed me a better palette for skin tones than I had been using. (I am lucky he lives in the neighborhood. But I don't feel I can abuse that fortunate proximity, so I think I'll be relying for most of my help here on the forum. And there is so much excellent information here!)

Here it is. Signed and taken off the easel.
Betsy 12"x16" oil on canvas

I am taking the suggestion of Michele Rushworth and giving the client a few notecards with this image and my contact information printed on them.

This client is getting quite a bargain and I don't think I'd be willing to do another oil portrait for the price I did this one. How do I ask this client not to divulge the price she paid? Or should I just mention to her that I've raised my prices? This one was $240. I think I should be charging a bit more. Not sure how much more. Probably more than 10% more.

Well, thanks again, all.

It's lovely. Very light and open. I like it a lot.

Oh - and regarding your prices - definitely raise them. Then tell this client that her painting is now worth "x" dollars - voila! Instant appreciation.

A very nice painting! I love your background, how loose it is contrasting the realism with her face. Adorable subject!

I like the way you way you painted the shadow areas on her face, the cool shadows contrast well against the the warm skin tones. Very natural, you get the feeling of the outdoors, a very nice portrait. You should price your work much higher maybe a $1,000 or more.

I agree with the above statement, and loved the WIP. Look in the business forum for a thread I started called "An honest assessment" and apply all the advice I got to yourself. Your work is simply beautiful!

This is really lovely. I like the integration of the subject into the background. Your client is getting quite a bargain, definitely raise your prices.

That's so lovely...

I loved everyting.

Cindy, Patti, Henry, Lacey, Jenni, and Claudemir,
Thank you for such positive responses!
Lacey, I did look up that thread and read through it. Good advice!

--Brenda

I forgot to say, Cindy, that I liked your idea of how to handle the price increase thing! I think I'll do that! :D

Brenda, I just love your painting. Well Done, Yes you must definitely increase your prices.