Rebecca, first oil portrait nearing completion

Monique McFarland · 02-07-2006, 12:55 PM

I would like critiques on this painting. It is my first oil portrait. I have only done watercolor portraits in the past. I am attaching the ref. photo and a full length shot and a headshot. Any other closeups that are requested will be posted at that time. I want to go back and soften the edges of the coat a bit, but unless I find something else that needs tweaking, or get any other suggestions here, I am calling this one finished.

Thank you in advance for your time and comments and yes, digital manipulation is welcome.

Monique

P.S. I know I have thickened her hair slightly, but hopefully it does not take away from the likeness. Size is 16x20, oil on canvas.

Mischa Milosevic · 02-08-2006, 04:29 AM

Hi Monique, This is beautiful! Execution top notch!

As per requested I will give some suggestions. Please excuse me for being so bold and picky but my suggestions mite have some value. If they don

Elizabeth Schott · 02-08-2006, 10:33 AM

Monique, leaps and bounds from the first post, don't you think?

Good job!

Alexandra Tyng · 02-08-2006, 10:47 AM

Hi Monique,

You are doing such a great job (I only wish I could pick up watercolor as fast), I hate to mention a few little things, but here goes:

There are a few places where the value contrast is too strong. The places that stand out for me are in the coat (around the pocket, under the arms, vertical wrinkles under the collar) and in the girl's face (chin, bottom of cheek, under her eyes). The exaggerated contrast results in a slightly overworked appearance. Also, the transitions in the wool coat are not gradual enough. A little more blending should do the trick.

The hair looks much better!

Monique McFarland · 02-08-2006, 11:00 AM

I am so relieved to hear what you guys are telling me!! You just have no idea! I knew I needed to work on the coat, and softening up the contrast on the face is easy enough..so is shaping the bow better.

I am so relieved to hear no changes to her likeness or that darn hair! lol.....that means I really may be on the home stretch after all!! Feels good, I can tell you that! Truly, I do see the coat issues...I could leave it alone, but why, if I can make it even BETTER!! I strive to really work hard on each piece until I know I just can't do anymore on it without ruining it. I'd say after tomorrow's painting day, I'll be signing it. By the sounds of it, I get the thumbs up from you guys, after the minor changes have been made.

Thank you all so much....

Monique

Mischa Milosevic · 02-09-2006, 05:34 AM

Not sure why. I probably did something wrong. Sorry!

This was to go with my suggestion post. Stil a problem uploading?

Mischa Milosevic · 02-09-2006, 05:40 AM

3rd attempt partially uploaded problem. sorry!

Monique McFarland · 02-10-2006, 02:06 PM

I'm finished...let me know if I addressed the issues you all shared.

Monique

Cindy Procious · 02-11-2006, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monique McFarland

I'm finished...let me know if I addressed the issues you all shared.

Monique

Monique - this is a beautiful little girl, and you have done her justice. I love the subtle yet strong red of the coat. Her flesh tones are just lovely.

I was going to post this the other day, but decided against it, but upon reflection I think that if it were me in the same situation, I would want to know.

You had some camera distortion in your reference photo which caused her far eye to be slightly higher than it should, and, unfortunately, you have exaggerated this to the point where her eyes are completely misaligned. It's one of those cases where we will accept something in a photo because we're used to the lens doing that sort of wonky thing to our faces, but in a painting, it should be fixed (ideally in the drawing stage, though... sorry.).

I didn't say anything, because I didn't think it was a commission, but then I thought, if it IS a commission, or even if you plan to use it in your portfolio, you would most likely want to address that.

As Richard Schmid says: "Never knowingly leave anything wrong in your painting." (or words to that effect.)

I've flopped the detail shot horizontally - you can, I think, see what I mean.

Monique McFarland · 02-11-2006, 10:36 AM

Thanks for pointing that one out. NO ONE has said anything about that. I can't believe that flipping it makes it stand out. darn it! ......

don't know if I'm up to this, lol.....does that mean the whole back eye needs to be re-set???? now little perfectionist me will stare at that eye forever!! kidding....

I'll weigh up my options..I wonder if there is a way, not so intrusive, to fix that??? I'll report back..Thanks SO VERY MUCH for the honesty...I expect that from you guys..that's why I post here!!

Monique