First self portrait 24" x 30"

[John Bruso]

Chris and Alexandra,

I am so very inspired that you took the time to critique my painting. I wish I could express my thanks for your time and advice.

Chris, I read through your post 3 times and really tried to dig into each thing that you wrote. You are extremely perceptive and many of the things you wrote are my ongoing weaknesses as an artist. I am going to take my painting out of it's frame and address what I can from your critique. Being critiqued is something I have lacked in my life as an artist. No one has ever had anything to say to me about my art except praise, and I am too smart to know that they know what they are talking about. Even in college, all the critique classes addressed design and typography and concept, and I was never able to get anyone to really look at any of my artwork outside of the "advertising agency" cliches. I appreciate this forum more than any other educational experience I have had. Thank you!

Alexandra, the original photo was taken without a flash, but I was near a window during evening lighting. I warmed up the skin colors a bit as I painted it. But you, and Chris and Sharon nailed it when you all could immediately tell that I had worked from a photograph. You three ladies have me itching in my cubicle to go home and set up some mirrors and get this painting behind me! As for being glamorous, well...HA! This painting doesn't show people who know me much about the Mara they know, but it does portray one thing, and I'm being brutally honest about this: It shows that I THINK I know what I am doing in the portrait world, but good technique and tight craftsmanship can only get you so far. It's value, composition, planning and honesty that truly make the portrait. Thank you for your thoughts!!!!