Lindsey colored pencil portrait

[Mike McCarty]

Hello Gwen, I would like to make a point about photo's. I have made this mistake so many times I feel qualified to give this advice. What may be a very nice photo of a darling little girl, may not be the best material for a portrait. I have often been seduced by such things as a beautiful garden of flowers, a dramatic sky etc. Only to take the person out of the context that was so pleasing, and having done so, reduced my chances for success. I would not want to tackle this little girl. Those tiny little hands so prominent, the lack of detail in the face. You have set up a very difficult task for yourself.

If you get the opportunity to photo her again I would give her center stage, fill up the frame, without the competing elements. For little people I also prefer having a more straight on or even looking up perspective. Looking down is an easy mistake to make with kids. Get down on their level or put them up on a stool.

Not to deminish from your effort, my comments are mainly toward the photo. Very best of luck.

Cynthia - How right you are! Can you tell that I was a little unsure with the nose? I have done several from this same reference, and am going to make the suggested changes, especially as to shadows.

Thanks all, you have been great to help.

Mike,

You are right-on about the photo. This was given to me by my great-niece (Lindsey's mother) while her father (my nephew) was having open heart surgery. Very emotional time, and I wanted to go a portrait as a gift to the family. Wish I had waited for a better photo! Hands are the pits! No wonder most portrait artists charge more for "body parts!"