Cherub

[Mischa Milosevic]

Marina, I love your concept and your skill level is ski rocketing.
I am not sure if my suggestions are appropriate but this is the critique section. Just in case, if what I say is not what you wish to hear than please disregard.

I'll start at the top with the clouds. The top part, the clouds, I like for they express form. I do not see that you have accomplished that with the rest of the clouds. The clouds behind the baby I feel should be the same value on both sides. I like the lighter version that you have on the right side.

The execution of the fabric is extra. I would use more by combine these hues and the warms of the flesh in the clouds. Still at this point that is personal taste.

The flesh tones and values are excellent. I love the way you have defined the hair with value and hue. I personally would work the cool red cheek color in the shadow of the forehead. At the moment it seems a touch to dark in the darkest part of the shadow.

The eyes, the fleshy parts below the pupils, the lines seem to hard.

One more thing. The chest in shadow. First, I think it is to dark and second the shadow color is not correctly representing the general skin color.

Well, I hope I was of some help to you.

[Marina Dieul]

Thanks Enzie.
Good luck for your commission. Try to make the photo session at a moment where the baby finished a nap and is not hungry. Prepare everything in the room before the baby comes, and try to have 2 adults to help you: the mother near the baby to reassure him, and another adult to clown around, so the baby will look in the direction you want. Don't forget that little children love to imitate what they see, this mimicry can help a lot sometimes.Make short photo sessions (5 mn-10mn max) and then go out of the room with the baby, and then go back, so the baby will keep his interrest longer.
Hope this helps...

Allan,
I came to the same conclusion as you, when I reworked the clouds, so it was certainly the thing to do. Thanks for your expert eye.

Hi Kim,
thanks for sharing your thoughts about the fabric. I didn't think at all about this could reminds portrait photography studio. I will keep that in mind for the next time : I hate portrait photography studio, and even more paintings which looks like that!

Mischa,
thanks for taking the time, I just had your PM. I post this painting in the critique section exactly for this.
I will check all the points you mention. Some of them are already resolved because I already worked on them.
I'll post an update image soon.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Marina, I noticed that you posted this in unveiling but there is one thing that just jumps out that I must share with you. I hope you don't mind.

The light area on the chest under the chin. This area bulges out to much. This mite be there, being the skin folds like that, but it is quite distracting like a unnatural lump on a angel. One more thing while we are at it. The tip of the nose between the highlight and the shadow seems incorrect value and it does not turn as it should. It gives the impression of a concave, a dip, instead of a convex.

[Marina Dieul]

Thanks Mischa,
I think I could work some small touches during hours, but there's a point where I make only unnecessary corrections. It's always helpful to have fresh eyes!

[Jan Verhulst]

You painted the baby in an outstanding way imo I suppose it is a hel of a job to make look a baby as a baby! The gray clouds are a bit depressing imo in contrast with the new life witch the baby is.