[Kimberly Dow]

I haven't been on this forum long, just a couple months perhaps. I already notice a difference. The first thing is the difference a quality photo makes. Then there was reading Chris Saper's book. Now if I can figure out why I can spot a good composition, but have trouble creating one.

Here is a closeup of my last portrait commission from a couple months ago, and the face I did last week.

My parents-in-law brought their portrait to me from 5 years ago. It was good for me at the time I did it, but it's so awful now. I'm going to attempt to fix it. The drawing is on, the likeness is perfect and the composition is fine. It's the value & edges that make it look like a cartoon.