Comments welcome
 

Attached is the reference photo and the beginning of the painting, about three layers in, the underpainting and two layers of color. Haven't really gone into the hair yet and have to paint the shoulder. Her jawline is wrong, I can see that. Then I have to figure out the dang flower!! I could really use advice on that one.

Thanks,

Beautiful start Patty!

Quick first impression is that values in the painting are on the light side. Her hair, eyes & the shadows on her face (& the flower) are deeper in the reference... Overall her face in the reference reads more narrow than the painting -- guessing thats because the paler shadows flatten/broaden her face a bit.

You might also want to check the shape of her eyes (to me they seem to scoop down more towards the outside corner at the bottom) and the base of her nose seems more level to me in the reference whereas it's canted upwards towards the left in the painting.

Small details... and a very promising beginning! This will be one to feature in your portfolio I bet!

Hi Patty !

About the flowers.

Try to separate the light side and the shadow side into two values, make a block in like you would if it vere an apple. Then pick about 2.5 flowers in the middle to be painted clearly. At last, paint a few of the details in the light side and a few in the shadow.

You can do it, I know!

Thanks, Terri and Allan, you both pointed out good issues for me to address. Allan, I will approach the flowers exactly as you described, at least this gives me a direction to go. Terri, the image is lighter tha the actual painting, I will try to post another picture of it. I see how the nose is crooked and the eyes need slight adjustments and I will make those, too.

I am excited about this little painting! One stroke at a time. I am trying to be extremely deliberate with this project...

Just Beautiful!
 

Patty, this is absolutely gorgeous. I love it!!!

What a privilege and a challenge to paint such a beautiful little girl!

I notice how soft and glowing the light is on the left side of her face. I would seek to bring out that light and keep the edges soft to capture the glow. The light on the hair is important too.

Thanks, Carol, I needed the boost!!
Thanks you Mary, I will work on the glow, believing it will come in the later stages. Right now I tell myself none of the magic is painted in yet, that it will come in the last stages i.e. highlights, etc. I have yet to really paint the hair. I can't wait till it dries so I can work on it some more!

Hi Patty,

Nice start: can't wait to see it complete!

Very nice start Patty.. one small thing that my also add to the painting is if you add a little touch of cad orange to the inside of her right nostril it will give the impression of light showing through transparent skin.. its just a small thing but I find it really adds to the impact. I also add a little al crimson and ultra marine blue to the depths of the nostrils.

Cheers Bruce

Thanks, Julie and Bruce. I can't wait till it dries so I can go back into it!