Graduation Gift

[Chris Saper]

Oh, Linda, this is gorgeous - she is gorgeous. I am headed over to see this in person. What a stunning composition, color harmony, and what a painting.

[Jane Bradley]

Linda
This is masterful! One that deserves to be studied . Could you also post a closeup of the hands?

[Linda Brandon]

Thank you all for your kind and encouraging comments.

Garth, there's a long discussion about ABS panels at this post, and if you search there are many more (both the pros and cons of ABS) on the Forum: http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...&highlight=ABS . If you want to give it a try and if I get outside to sand some more of these and if you take me out for coffee when I get to Philly in a few weeks... I'll bring you one.

I was surprised to see that I have posted at least four examples of my ABS paintings on the Forum over the past year or so. Actually, I do paint on other types of panels. Since I have a lifetime supply of ABS I tend to noodle around on it a lot.

Bill Whitaker has just posted a beautiful example of what can be done with ABS and how to sand it over on this link:
http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?t=4669

I think ABS is especially wonderful in small paintings where you can really obsess over the surface quality of the painting.

My painting was selectively sanded: sanded in the flesh sections and the background was purposely kept textured.
By the way, I'm using much less Maroger than I used to on these ABS panels. I was getting too much glare in the end product.

[Tom Edgerton]

Linda--

Told ya!

Best--TE

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Linda,

This is a beautiful painting, your colors are magnificent!

Joan

[Michele Rushworth]

Spectacular, Linda! Your best yet. I particularly like the warm shadows and the unusual effect of the stripes in the background. Lots of those verticals we talked about!

[Mike Dodson]

Linda,

Beautiful work. This is one of my favorite paintings that I have seen posted on this forum. Natural, realistic flesh tones and nice brush-work.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

That

[Denise Hall]

Linda,

I always love looking at your work and am not sure I've ever told you so! This is lovely, and the colors are absolutely beautiful - rendering of her face is soft and just a beautiful painting!!

Thanks for posting it!

Denise

[Sharon Knettell]

Now I am going to have to work harder and it's Summer and the veranda and a chilled Chardonnay are beckoning!

You have managed to successfully pull off a tricky composition. The weight of the stripes on the left balance the figure beautifully. Her skin tones are luscious!

Just lovely Linda!