Mademoiselle "Julie"

Mike McCarty · 05-07-2002, 04:13 PM

I offer this oil on canvas portrait with my usual caveat: it looks twice as good in person, and three times as good in the dark.

Mike McCarty · 05-07-2002, 04:14 PM

a little closer...

Karin Wells · 05-07-2002, 04:47 PM

Wow. I really like the composition. The "shapes" are wonderful. I also like the lighting and the way you were able to keep your shadow areas luminous. Nice job.

Can't think of anything here that needs fixing....

Mike McCarty · 05-08-2002, 09:04 PM

Aw shucks Karin, you are way too kind.

Sandy Barnes · 05-09-2002, 07:08 AM

I love it too Mike. You have captured an 'innocent, yet knowing' feel with this lovely young lady. Oh, and I noticed you took a wee bit of artistic licence and omitted the brow-jewelry.

Michael Georges · 05-09-2002, 09:13 AM

Mike:

Great portrait. I have just one comment - and it may only be in the electronic viewing that creates this - the painting may not have it at all. The forehead line appears quite sharp in comparison to the other edges in the portrait. If you were to run a cool tone along that edge and soften it closer to the level that you have on the V of the sweater, it will make the form appear rounder and the edge will recede better.

Again, it is a great portrait.

Lon Haverly · 05-09-2002, 11:32 AM

Nice brush work, colors and expression.

Mike McCarty · 05-09-2002, 11:33 AM

Sandy, thanks for the nice comments. I had a nice ref. photo to work from. I enjoyed doing this, it was straight forward and had all those great shapes. I will go and dig out the photo for posting. I did leave out the eyebrow ring, shows the benefit of continued negotiation.

Michael, you are right that the left side of the face is the sharpest edge. I remember pondering whether to rounded it off and decided to leave it. Back in my brain I remember hearing that a painting should have at least one and maybe more sharp edges (relative) to draw focus to certain elements, in this case her face. I don't offer this as the last word on the subject and would welcome any other comments. It could be that the forehead could be softened and our left cheek left sharp?

Mike McCarty · 05-09-2002, 11:41 AM

Thanks a lot Lon, just trying to chase the example you set with that last portrait of yours.

Jeanine Jackson · 05-09-2002, 01:00 PM

Lovely composition! I would agree on softening edge.... I think there is enough sharpness along the cheek to give the effect you desire...