Kim

[Dan Landrie]

Thank you both, your comments are helpful and appreciated. I was not aware that the white shirt was a distraction, but I can see now that it is, and the shadow on the neck has always bothered me in this portrait, I felt it looked more like a beard than a shadow. Perhaps more reflected light might make it more bearable.

[Garth Herrick]

Dan,

I have to agree, this is really nicely done! I am amazed at the resolution of detail acheived, but more than that, you have not over-rendered anything, and it all fits together so well. Such a good and sensitive likeness, too. I like you color sense. The only thing from the standpoint of traditional conventions of portrait painting that bothers me a little, is the harsh lighting effect; but it is very interesting and arresting too, due to that. I must say though, that I cannot imagine anyone else getting a more masterful result from the photographic resource you had to work with. I'm in awe.

A belated welcome to the Forum, too!

Garth

[Dan Landrie]

Thank you Garth

When I took the ref photo for this I intended to only do a chiaroscuro drawing so I used just a single light source ( a 75 watt incandescent bulb very close and slightly in front of the subject) It wasn't until later that I decided to attempt it as a pastel and so that is why the lighting is so harsh. Thank you again for your kind observations.

[Margaret Ferguson]

Really dramatic, lovely to see a different form of lighting. Her face can certainly handle the drama of the shadows, what lovely features
I also like the background gradation, subtly done.