[Karin Wells]

Close but no cigar. Would you be willing to try it again?

1. You really need a smile with her mouth closed.

2. If you wish to paint her "full face," you need to turn her shoulders at a 45 degree angle and have her gently twist at the neck to look at the camera. This will slenderize her body and the painting will look less like a passport photo.

3. Be sure that the light does not cut the face in half.

4. If you have her sit and lean (almost uncomfortably) forward and raise her chin, you will be able to get rid of the double chins and get some catchlights in her eyes.

Oftentimes I find it much easier to actually paint a portrait than to take the initial pictures for a good photographic reference. If you wish to make a career of portraiture, it is necessary to master some photography basics...and now when you have an important commission is as good a time as any to begin.