Skater Reflecting

[Terri Ficenec]

Just finished this commission. The mom wanted a reflective pose, though it killed me not to be able to paint her beautiful eyes!

Skater Reflecting
30"x24"
Oil on Canvas

[Julie Deane]

Hi Terri -

Nicely painted....

I love how you captured that muscular body. It feels to me like she could instantly spring from that bench - she is so well toned.

At the same time, your soft edges and colors help show off the sweetness of her expression. I like the extra touch of the shoes off and the ankle bracelet - all these things so very much depict her youth.

I bet her mom is VERY happy!

[Mike McCarty]

Beautiful job Terri,

Nice job on the skin tones and the modeling of the legs. And a nice little reflection in the skate blade.

[Garth Herrick]

Dear Terri,

This is very nice! I second the compliments fom Julie and Mike. This is inspiring because I need to start a similar no-eyes reflective portrait of two little girls tonight. By this wonderful example, you have shown me this is possible to acheive. Thanks for posting this. I love her perfect expression and the very natural pose. Congratulations.

Garth

[Michele Rushworth]

Boy, Terri, you have come such a long way with your work. Very nice job!

[Terri Ficenec]

Well, you've all just made my day! Thanks!

Julie - Thanks so much! -that's just what I was trying to show!

Mike - The skate blade was fun to do. Thanks for noticing! As far as the legs, am working on leaving it alone when something's looking right rather than continueing to tinker (and messing it up. ) For once, stopped at the right time the first time.

Garth - Thanks! and Good luck with the one you're starting on -- can't wait to see it! This client really wanted something that caught a moment in time and had the feel of being 'candid' not posed. I think for her the downcast eyes most conveyed that sense. Its different somehow to paint a subject without them looking back out at you -- for me at least it was more work to convey a feeling that it was this particular girl -rather than just any girl- sitting there.

Michele - Thank-you! That's thanks to you and all the others here who've been so generous with critiques and advice! Starting out, I didn't know how much I didn't know! (Now at least I know!) More and more am trying to critique my own work as it progresses rather than lean on this forum so much. But all the things you've pointed out and suggested on past pieces are helping me still. I was also lucky enough to attend one of Tim Tyler's workshops this summer. What an amazing experience! I'm hoping to post feedback in the 'workshops' section once I get photos back!

Thanks again!

[Linda Brandon]

Gosh, Terri, this is a lovely painting. I really like the unexpected juxapostion of bare feet and ice skates, it's a charming concept. Congratulations!

[Terri Ficenec]

Thanks Linda! The original plan was to paint her putting her skates on, but couldn't get a shot that didn't look awkward, or unflattering. So we went with an after the event type of concept....

[Patricia Joyce]

Terri,
What a beautiful painting. I love the pose . I am most struck by how you have captured her grace. How old is she? I can almost perceive the movement between two "ages", a pretty little girl almost a graceful young woman.

Really lovely.

[Kimberly Dow]

This is just lovely Terri - congratulations!