Garth, I really have to give you an 'online handshake' to congratulate you on another great piece. I am thoroughly impressed by your solid technique in the handling of colours and edge control. Technically, I love the realism and smoothness. As a portrait piece, the image is casual and beautiful without being pretentious. What I find very interesting is how the background is incorporated so well with the different light sources and composition. This piece really shows me that (with proper planning and preparation) a casual scene can look classical and 'masterful'. I have to ask...do you purposely refine focal areas such as the figure (head, hands, skin) and leave other areas, such as clothing, background etc. more loose with visible brushstrokes? Furthermore, do you try and keep sharp edges to a minimum?
Great work.
David