Hi from Bob in San Jose

[Bob Botha]

I am both excited and honored to be accepted as a member of this prestigious group! Since discovering SOG a few years ago, my portrait artwork has vastly improved, in large part due to the enormous wealth of information to be found here. One of my reasons for registering is to make this known to you all and to thank the owner, the moderators and members who contribute so much of their time and knowledge so that amateurs like me can progress to a more professional level.

My portrait artwork began with colored pencil drawings, then progressed to charcoal and pastel and recently I took the plunge and tried painting in oils. I am attaching (hopefully) two examples of my work: an earlier colored pencil drawing and my latest and second ever, oil painting.

I know that I still have a long, long way to go, but I am pleased with my progress so far - thanks to you all!

Cheers,

Bob

[Mary Sparrow]

Welcome Bob!

[Julie Deane]

Glad you're here! I especially like the woman's portrait.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Welcome to the forum, Bob! Thank you for showing us an example of your earlier work and recent work so we can actually see the difference. The progression is fascinating. Though I like the earlier one, it's exciting to see and appreciate the development of your skill. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work here.

[Bob Botha]

Thank you for the warm welcome and kind words! It's wonderful to be able to post on here now, rather than just lurk! I hope in time that I may be able to contribute in a constructive way.

Incidentally, I know that grins in portraits are "frowned" apon here, but the young woman in the painting, who happens to be my daughter-in-law, wouldn't have it any other way, insisting that she is always smiling that way and felt very unnatural not doing so! I had to agree with her, hence the result! Of course, the painting was done mostly from a photo reference.

Cheers,

Bob

[Marina Dieul]

Welcome Bob !
It's not forbiden to have a grin in a portrait, as long as it's well done ( take a look at Franz Hals for example...) In the portrait of your daughter-in-law, it looks very natural.

[Bob Botha]

Thank you, Marina, I feel much better about that now! I appreciate your comments and your welcome!

Cheers,

Bob

[Chris Saper]

Hi Bob,

Welcome - I hope you enjoy being a part of the Forum -

[Bob Botha]

Thank you, Chris, I have your book and refer to it often!

[John Reidy]

Hello Bob and welcome,

Your work shows an understanding of the structure of the head and face and the relationships that exist their. Good structure. And a very nice oil painting for your second one. Actually, very good no matter what the number.

I was advised early on that I should expect to fail on my first few attempts and I pretty much did. Consequently since I felt that this was considered "normal" I wasn't discouraged. Your second oil far surpasses my first three attempts (I saved two just so I can go back and look at them).

Keep painting, I'm looking forward to seeing more.