Head Study

Terri Ficenec · 07-04-2004, 03:14 PM

I've been working on this little head study of my daughter, as I'd like to do a larger portrait of her... This is cropped out of a larger photo.

Any feedback, suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Mary Sparrow · 07-04-2004, 03:44 PM

Terri I love this, she is so pretty! You certainly nailed the likeness. My only little nitpick is that I would like to see a little more color in her cheeks. What size is this?

Terri Ficenec · 07-04-2004, 05:35 PM

Thanks Mary! I'll try to oil in with a little more color on her cheeks once the paint that's on there dries.
This is 12"x9".

Michele Rushworth · 07-05-2004, 10:18 AM

Terry, this is your best yet. Congratulations!

David Bottoni · 07-05-2004, 01:57 PM

Terri, for a work that small, you really brought out plenty of detail. I really like how you balanced the colour and values in comparison with the photo, making this a painting and not just a copy.

Terri Ficenec · 07-05-2004, 09:20 PM

Michele - I think all these months of feedback are finally starting to gel. Thanks so much!

David - Thanks! Though the canvas is small, her face is almost life-size on it, so the details were do-able. Before I found this forum, I painted a few paintings with tiny little heads (2-3")... it makes it really hard to get a good likeness!

I really appreciate the feedback -- Thanks again!

Chris Saper · 07-06-2004, 02:08 PM

Terri,

You have done a great job! The only thing I might suggest (and I am really nitpicking here) is to look at the deep shadow of her neck on our left, and to warm it slightly.

I might also pick up a bit more red in the ear on our left, the nose and checks, but this is more a matter of personal preference. This is my favorite painting of yours.

Marvin Mattelson · 07-06-2004, 03:46 PM

Definitely your best to date. I think the value on her neck is too light which flattens out the image. Lowering the value a bit will project the head forward, always a good thing. Well done.

Terri Ficenec · 07-06-2004, 08:50 PM

Chris, thanks so much for your insight, I'll try that. Thanks!

Thank you Marvin--now that you've pointed it out, that neck keeps jumping out at me! I'll push it a bit darker to hopefully get it back where it belongs!

I really appreciate both of you taking the time to consider this and comment. Many thanks!

Leslie Ficcaglia · 07-10-2004, 08:53 PM

Coming in late on this one, I agree that it's just lovely, Terri. I also agree with Chris's and Mary's suggestion that you add a little more rose color in the cheeks, nose and ears. The reference photo looks like it has a wider range of values than the painting shows, particularly in the hair.

The eyebrow on our left in the reference photo is a little fuller on the left side, where it changes direction slightly to follow the line below her temple, and her lower lip in the photo is also a little fuller towards the corner of her mouth than you have it. Both those things seem to add more expressiveness to her face. What a winsome look and what a pretty young girl!

Leslie