Thomas

[Margaret Ferguson]

Hi, just wondering about this one.
Not sure if mix of colours is a bit much, although I wanted a vibrant effect to match the sitter's personality
(I used irridescent pastels, they're reflecting the camera flash)

[Julie Deane]

I like it! Those colors work well to your purpose,

The only critique I can think of is actually a question:

Would a bit darker value in the chin area help give it a more dimensional effect?

[Margaret Ferguson]

Hi and thanks, yes, I think I'll try darkening the dark area there, should improve the lights too

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

I like this one Margaret. I enjoy the colours very much because they are integral to the form of the face, which you have rendered very well indeed! I think the muscles on the near cheek that indicate the smile work terrifically. The only thing that might need looking at is the size and placement of the eyes and eyebrows - they look a little separate from the rest of the face, and also a little large, which makes the forehead and skull look too small, which it is not.

[Margaret Ferguson]

Thank you Thomasin, your insights are always useful.
I'll look again at his proportions. It was done from a hurried snap of someone I came across on holiday; may be some camera distortion is the problem....

[Chris Saper]

Dear Margaret,

I very much like the colors and obvious energy in this portrait! My only comment is that when I sqint, I can't see a delineation of where the light and shadow meet. I think that being able to identify the lights from shadows more readily will add to the sense of solidity and form.

I've never used the irridescent pastels, but they look like fun.