Will
 

This one turned out okay...

I usually edit the backgrounds more (honest, I swear), but in this case I was after the light patterns, as they set up a lot of directional cues. So I decided that this time, "more is more." (Thanks also to Garth, who looked over my shoulder about midway in, on an edit I actually did make.)

My skin color is getting better over time, thank goodness.

32" x 19", about a 6 1/2" head. He was about six or seven years old.

Anything better than this and the painting will have to start taking daily showers.

Nice to see your work again. It has been a while. This is up to your usual level of excellence. I

Oh, Tom, this is really a luscious painting! You have truly conveyed such an engaging sense of light. Even the pathway of filtered light under the bench is so important in creating a depth to the entire scene. It's really a beautiful job, thanks so much for sharing.

First things first. This is truly extra! Even though I enjoy the entire painting the feet are what struck me. Strange I know but its not what some mite think. It is a Bouguereau thing. The feet reminded me of Bouguereau and the care he placed on the placement and the rendering of feet. It mite not have been your intention to position the feet such but I believe they do make a difference.

I love the delicate transitions in your skin tones. Very few are able to see these tones let alone acheave such transitions. Thumbs up. You have managed the landscape masterfully and you have taken the same care with the drapery.

I really like your idea and the innovation by adding the twig in the hand. I think it acheaves the intention.

I can really appreciate the time and your understanding of hue. It is breathtaking! Being that you have reached this level of understanding, it is good to hear that you will not stop here. I say this thinking of your comment in where you say that things are getting better.

My sincere wishes and best for you

Thanks, guys...

Carlos, I'm still laughing!

Chris, thanks very much. I decided the content was the light, and I wanted to get it.

Mischa, I appreciate your comments; I'll have another look at these things. As you suspected, the blue in the shirt is somewhat less saturated and less lavender in the painting, more in harmony with the environment. In adjusting this on the monitor, I had to choose between rendering his complexion or the shirt accurately and haven't been able to capture both yet.

Best to all--T

Tom, it's really beautiful. I agree with Mischa - the feet and legs are so impressive. They're simply perfect. I'm dazzled by the background! What deftness! I'd really love to see some closeups if that's possible.

Sure, Lisa, thanks so much.

(I also went back and re-jiggered the original image to more accurately depict the shirt color as it appears in the painting. Mischa, thanks again.)

Tom -

The skin tones are great! I love how close the values are in the face, and so beautifully painted. Such nice warm tones, and everything fits well together.

Tom, thank you for the close ups. Lovely! I would have loved to watch you work on this one and learn. If by chance you have recorded the procedure please, if its not to much trouble, send it to me, even a high rez of the legs and head. Did you follow the classical stages of painting dead- colouring, 1st, 2nd painting, glazing toning?

Grate job and good for you!

Tom, it's gorgeous!

The light, clothing, limbs everything! I love his freckled face and how you were able to show the freckles without them jumping out at you. Same goes for the teeth, so few people can pull teeth off and you just did it in a most wonderful way.