Mother and 2 daughters

[John Bruso]

Okay guys,

My favorite part of this portrait is the baby. She is most definitely the most well executed part of the portrait. The Mom and sister are, well... kind of manikin like. I know the sister is supposed to be sleepy, but don't the eyes look off to you? And, the Mom's hair is a bit greasy looking (sure, it's kind of like that in real life, but no one else knows that).

What do you think?

John

"My good friend, CeCe Ray, approached me shortly before Christmas of 2001 because she wanted to surprise her husband with a painting of his girls. I dropped all other projects and worked on this one for 6 straight weeks. We wanted to tell a story of a special moment between mother and daughters, and sharing a good book just seemed to be perfect. I love how the baby chews on her hand as she stares with those huge blue eyes, so interested in the pictures inside the book. I also like how her big sister is obviously sleepy, but too engaged in the tale of the rabbit who became real to fall asleep just yet. My favorite part if this painting? CeCe's eyes. "

- Mara

"CeCe, Riley, and Reagan Ray"
20" X 16"
My 4th Oil Painting

[Linda Ciallelo]

I think this painting is excellent. I think that my favorite part is the young mother's face. It completely embodies that particular mood. The second best part is the children's faces(including their eyes), both are perfect for children their ages doing what they're doing. These things are very difficult to do, and you have done them superbly. The next best thing about this painting is the decorative flowers all around them. The composition is excellent.

The only thing that bothers me about this painting are the harsh colors. They seem a little too primary for my taste, but then I think sometimes that I have a hypersensitive color perception. I am particularly bothered by the blue in the eyes. I know that the eyes "are" blue, but this blue seems too bright for real life. The only other thing I might change in the future is that I would like to see some soft edges in places. It seems a little hard edged to me.

But, I would definitely call this an excellent piece of work. Don't change anything on this painting.

[John Bruso]

Linda,

We agree with your astute observations. Very keen. You're right, the colors are a bit too harsh and the eyes are a bit overdone. It would have been neat if the edges were softer. Thank you for this. We'll apply this advice on the next portrait.