When working with portraits, it often happens that something doesn’t work the way we want it to. I could name a million examples but let’s just take an obvious one. My students call certain things I say, ‘Dianaisms’. For instance I say, ‘If you get the line of the mouth correct, you capture the likeness.’ Well, that line of the mouth is an illusive feature. If the artist gets this a shade wrong in size, shape or color, it can ruin everything. Artists, no matter what mark you put on canvas, be prepared to adjust it. Study these features thoroughly, not just once, but over and over again. If you cannot make it right while the paint is wet, then let it dry. This way, if you are not happy with the results, wipe them away and try again. Trust your vision, that of your eyes and your heart. Do your best to please your sitter but remember that the artist creates. We are not cameras. We are attempting to show others the beauty that we see. One of the great portrait masters was eventually tired of criticism from his clients. He stated that he would rather paint dogs!
Diana Williams Portraits 