Jean, the likeness is wonderful and I really like the background.

If I may say so, the folds on his T-shirt bother me somewhat. For future reference I suggest you visit William Whitaker's site and see how beautifully he handles folds. Yours have an edginess to them rather than being soft bends.

Tom
 

Hello Cynthia and Enzie,

This painting is 40" x 30", done with acrylic based fabric paint and soft pastel, on canvas prepared for dying (pfd).

Enzie, since painting this I have discovered Mr. Whitaker's incredible site and artwork. At this point, I fully realize that his t-shirt could have been done better. I look at it daily (it hangs in my studio) and it's a reminder to me of how far I actually have come. Some day I may pull it down and try to improve his shirt. But for now, when I look at it I smile inside because it's my first portrait and it's a gentle reminder of how much I have learned here. Thank you for your observations, all suggestions are filed away in my addled brain! Someday to be resurrected and acted upon. ;)

Jean

Follow Up
 

Jean, I have to admit that ever since I have joined this Forum I have this great desire to pull my old paintings off the wall and give them more volume. I have been struggling for years with too little value differentiation and orange, patchy skin tones. After reading through critiques and comparing different styles, the little light bulb upstairs has finally turned on. Sometimes you have to take a step back to make a leap forward. You should be proud of your accomplishments and build upon the knowledge to be gained on this site.