Too much information?

[Kimberly Dow]

After learning so many great tips here, I am attempting a portrait using a fairly good reference photo, rather than the horrible ones I usually have. It's just for me, not a commission and not for my portfolio necessarily.

I am finding it harder than before to get this one right. First it was the skin color, shadows, etc. that were all wrong, then when I felt I was fairly close I see the likeness of the person was compromised. That has never been a problem before. I still haven't gotten it yet. I'm becoming very frustrated.

I've always just painted, not really paid any attention to how. When I did learn it was from videos and it was easy to apply. Now, I'm reading tips and trying to keep it all in mind and it is bogging me down I think.

I'm hoping that it is more difficult because my standards have gone up and in the end it will be one of my best.