Here is the next step and soon I will post another.  It is challenging to work with a figure in shadow/backlit.  I am attempting to brighten it up without losing the quality of bright light.  I know that if you want brights you must have darks so I will darken the shadows carefully so they don’t jump out at you but still portray the sunshine well.  I want to diminish the importance of the background and so I am simplifying as many features there as possible.  The figure tells the story and is of utmost importance.  This child is eleven now and is an amazing artist already.  When she was two and three she would get so frustrated because her crayons would not do what she knew they should.  I would tell her, “Remember, you are fifteen or twenty in your brain but your hands are still only three years old!”  That did help her to be patient, at least it helped a little.  She now has more control and drawing ability than I do -seriously!”

I hope these painting examples are helping you with your portrait work.  I had no one to help me.  I worked for years doing everything wrong.  Even now I would like to solve some of my painting problems without so much trial and error but I can only do what I must because no one else has the same vision I do. No one can advise me on a way that would work with my methods. Most people do not understand how I work.

I am taking on a few  more commissions now that I am back to work again. When people ask me what I charge I usually direct them to the pricing of some other artists who have web sites.  They can compare the work, decide if my work is up to their standards and then make a fair offer for my time.  I usually try to keep the piece small and simple even though my own pieces are quite large and complicated.  I want to continue having clients who are pleased with their own private work of art.  My goal is to achieve a painting that portrays the spirit of the subject.  I will write more on this at a later date.