I'm so happy to be joining you all.

[Cynthia Leininger]

First, let me say I think you are all just incredibly wonderful people. I have been lurking in the background, partly due to shyness but also being unwilling to post a picture. (What is that, right? A portrait artist who doesn't like the way she looks! Get real!)

I have always wanted to be an artist but like many others felt that job security far outweighed the starving artist route. So here I am at fifty finally realizing I have to do this. I have not done any art work for the past ten or twelve years. Finally, June 26th 2004 I got back to my art. I've never worked in oils, they always seemed to be too expensive. I'm thrilled with them and having a blast!

I have learned so much in the few months I have been observing on the forum. I'm very excited, I can see tremendous growth in just a few months.

I am posting only one example of my work, so I can be sure I am doing it correctly. The oil painting is 9x12 on cheapo canvas panel. It is of my brother, taken twenty years ago. I definitely want as much criticism as you are willing to give me, now and on all my future paintings.

[Patricia Joyce]

Welcome Cynthia,

You will be happy to know there are a few of us 50ish women who have returned to our passion for portraiture. Nice to have another pupil on board. I cannot critique your portrait as I am not skilled enough (just started painting myself) but I can say that this is a good painting, nice job on the hands! Don't ever hesitate to post your work here. The pros are so eager to guide you and make suggestions and as you probably already know, there is more information here than you could find anywhere else. I have spent hours and hours reading posts in every topic and have folders filled with quotes, diagrams, explanations, lessons, etc.

I look forward to seeing your work as you progress!!

[Cynthia Leininger]

I've been watching your progress over the past few months. Isn't this site incredible?
I think the picture I have posted looks amateurish but I'm so willing and eager to learn. Every painting I've been working on has been like a marvelous frustrating puzzle.

[Chris Saper]

EVERY painting is a marvelous, frustrating puzzle. Otherwise, why in the world would we do this?!

When you would you like a critique on a painting, you can post in the critiques section, where it will get the attention you want.

I think your photo is great,you don't look a day over 40, and even if you did, you could FIX that in your self portrait

Welcome to the Forum.

Forever young (at least in my paintings),

[Mary Sparrow]

Hi Cynthia, and welcome to the forum!