smudgepainter

I'm going to post my first three efforts at painting portraits. Although I enjoy a pat on the back as much as anyone, I am really seeking as much constructive criticism and guidance as I can get in my efforts to improve this new (to me) technique. I only learned of this within the last few weeks and am working hard to refine my style. My goal is for a classic, oil painted feel.

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful replies and your assistance in my learning process. I sincerely appreciate it.

I'm also a beginner to smudge so keep this in mind when you read my comments. Over all I think you are doing quite well. I think #1 looks the most like an oil painting and #2 the least like one and more like a photo. Without considering your goal I like the photo-realistic #2 the best. If you haven't taken Scott's class you should consider it to see the master of details at work. Nicely done!!

Murry

You've been at this how long? WOW! I would critique - but I don't really see anything that needs fixing.

Of the three you posted, I like this one the best. I like the pose, the colors and the lighting is perfect. I can see nothing I would change here.
So you deserve that pat on the back

I think this is just gorgeous. I really like the way you left the detail in the chair. It works. The only tiny thing I would contribute is to maybe take a little of the wrinkly look out of the dress where it flows over the chair. Not a big deal, but it kinda caught my eye. Very nice!!

MurryG wrote: If you haven't taken Scott's class you should consider it to see the master of details at work. Nicely done!!

Murry

Thanks for the comments, Murry. I'm actually in Scott's class right now (it just started yesterday), so I eager to learn as much from his as I can. I appreciate your assessment of the different looks. I'm trying different techniques, so they all have a little different look to them. Hopefully I can find my "sweet spot" where it all comes together at some point.

Thanks again.

Susie OConnor wrote:maybe take a little of the wrinkly look out of the dress where it flows over the chair.

Thanks for your kind words and the comment about the dress. Yeah, there's a lot going on there. I have already done a lot of clean up on it as it had sharp creases, almost like it was pleated all around. I softened those, but as you point out, there is still a lot of detail work left to do on this.

Thanks again for the feedback. I get so caught up in what I'm doing that I lose sight of some things that you all pick up on very easily. It's nice to have extra eyes checking your work