New to oils, portrait of Stephanie

[Peggi Habets]

Hello,
This is my first post. I am traditionally a watercolor portrait painter and just getting started in oils. Even though this portrait is framed and delivered, I was hoping to get feedback or advice to help me when doing future portraits.

This is 24 x 18" on primed canvas. This is a long-distance commission and, although I did a small color study from life, this was painted from a set of photographs that I took. Any feedback is helpful and welcome.

[Debra Rexroat]

I think it is an amazing job! Skin is challenging enough, but to "get" the ink so well is incredible. I bet she is pleased with it!

There is only one distracting element in the painting for me as I study it, and that is the lock of hair on the shadow side of her neck, which unfortunately fits right into a crease that occurs naturally in the flesh. I might have left that lock of hair out, as it appears to bisect that area a little. But that is just a little thing. I find this a very personal and striking portrait!

[Peggi Habets]

Debra,
Thank you for the reply. Yes, I see exactly what you are talking about. with the hair.

Funny, most people seem to think oils are easier than w/c, but I've found the opposite to be true. My biggest issue with oils is trying to get a looser look to my paintings, but I find I tighten up so much more than with w/c.

[Terri Ficenec]

Hi Peggi,

Similar to the hair on her neck, the ponytail holder(?) around her wrist sort of severs her hand from her arm and could've been left out... you may also want to keep an eye out for photographic distortion -- the near hand is a bit on the large side proportionately.

Overall though, this is a very nicely done & vibrant portrait with a lot of warmth in her expression, you'd never know you were 'new to oil' -- kudos!

[Peggi Habets]

Terri,
Thank you for the valuable feedback. The "ponytail holder" was a simple bracelet that Stephanie always wears. I agree, it would have been better to leave out or paint it differently.