Thank you Willow. Your suggestions were worth far more than a grain of salt believe me.
I agree about the acid greens in the background and I will get busy on that this week. I didn't like the greens when I was doing it but did not want to be too ambitious with colours with it being a military portrait.
The edge definition also sounds good. Do you think that it may take away the frontal flash effect somewhat?
If not, maybe I can add more shading on the viewers right-hand side to simulate light coming in from the side.
I have other photographs of him without flash that he didn't like (the flash tends to kill wrinkles!) Should I incorporate some of the more honest details in these photo's to the painting?
I will go and have a look at the web site you mentioned now.
Thanks again Willow. I will post the amended picture soon.
Barbara