20" X 16"
oils on canvas
I need a fresh eye to review this one. Its my granddaughter in her tap dance dress, first recital.
I see some mistakes myself. I started this with a raw umber underpainting and thought I had it right. Aside from perhaps not getting her mouth in the right place and trouble with the right side of her head, the other major problem I think is the harshness of her features. I also start out with the right values but as I start adding color I have a tendency to lighten the values. Also, for children I was trained not to make too great a contrast in values as it makes them appear older. The photo it is from is not the best but it was taken back stage in the dressing room with a little digital camera.
Well, any comments would be greatly appreciated. I know I need to draw more.

But I love painting so much I probably won't quit that, I'll just add drawing to my exercises. Hopefully I will be able to take a hands on class next year.
Thank you for your help.
Dianne