The lighing on her blew me away
 

The lighting was from a huge, very high window and she was standing on the top of a staircase. When I saw the light on her (and her brother who I am doing next) I got that rush we get when we KNOW it is going to be an honor to do...

thanks for looking!

Patricia, I really like this piece--the direction of the eyes slightly downward (and the softness of the lighting) is very pleasing.

Thank you Kenneth. I worked on it some more and now I think she is really finished. I felt, looking at it on the forum, that the values needed to be broader so I darkened the darks. I think it pops a bit more now.

Looks like I will be noodling with the hair for the afternoon!!

Pat, I like both versions equally. On my monitor, the first image has a slight green cast while the second image has a blue cast. This is probably due to the time of day that you took the shots!

I like what you did with the hair in the second one--it feels a little more developed to me. Well done, as usual.

Patty,

when you "noodle" it only gets better and better! Lovely portrait!

Natalie and Julie,
Thanks! This is my new favorite the only disadvantage is that I also did a portrait of her little brother who has blond hair, very blond eyebrows so they don't show up in the image. He's very cute but I can't bring it up to the level of his sisters. What to do, what to do!!! They will have to hang on different walls in the house! He needs a little noodling now that I see it up. It never ends!!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

They are both beautiful, Patty. I especially like the girl's eyes and the shading that creates luminosity.

Hi Patty-- I agree with Alex that the are both beautiful! You've captured that elusive subtlety of the blond brows and lashes remarkably well. That little boy looks just like the son of one of my friends. Both very sensitive portrayals. Kudos!