Jamie

Yes, can we get some closeups? I don't see how we can snarf your technique without a closer look.

This is so light and fresh. The transition from light to shadow is really nice. He looks vibrant. I like your handling of the foliage as well, those leaf edges are definitely Bouguereau-esque.

But you did ask for a critique, so here are a few quibbles.

I rather like the dark background. It's unusual today, maybe, but a classic idea. I think dark backgrounds allow us to appreciate the serious nature of children, or appreciate them seriously.

The hair has wonderful colors in it. I especially like the amber hues you have in there. The edges seem uniformly soft, and the green is of a lighter value than the foliage, though, which is giving him a haloed appearance.

I was thinking about our long discussion about one eye on the center of the canvas. The center of the canvas seems to fall right between his eyes, creating a very uniform negative space, and not centering interest on one eye.

I really like the right side of his jacket. The way it catches the light is very good. Again, the edges have a uniformity to them but I don't suppose anyone's looking for that very hard once you've dazzled them with his face. The left side of his jacket might be an opportunity for you to lose the edge entirely, maybe picking up more fo the foliage colors and really pushing it back, where it seems to want to push forward currently.

Taken together, the more or less uniform edges, centered placement, big smile, halo effect of the hair, and excellent brushwork are creating a photographic appearance.

Truly, these are quibbles. The light of the paint is the first and strongest impression.

Best
Lisa