My husband Tom
 

Please critique this painting of my best friend and worst critic (he always thinks everything's great.) This was my first painting in 30 years and is what inspired me to continue in this endeavor. Thank you for your consideration.

Tom
 

Detail of Tom. He's kind of grizzled and grey and I love him that way.

Well I think it is GREAT! Really wonderful! The only thing that bothers (even too strong of a word) me, is the transition of the folds under his raised arm/torso where the folds are very light in the torso area, and then sort of abruptly darken under the arm. But perhaps this is a shadow, it's just a little hard to tell.

I think it's beautiful!

I looked at it again, and I'm not sure I explained correctly. It's not under the arm, it's the folds in the front part of the arm and maybe it's just the line that seperates the folds that stands out. I'll work on my critiquing skills! :bewildere

Tom
 

Thanks Carolyn, for the comments and praise. Feels like we're in the twilight zone down here. I may have been carried away by the drama of the folds of the fabric in that area. Or maybe trying to indicate the seam line in the sleeve. I had problems, there as I decreased the size of Tom's belly (per his request), so was making up what the fabric would have done. I tried to envision him 10lbs lighter, all in the tummy roll! He asked me to tame his hair down too, but I REFUSED. Other than that, it looks just like him. I must have deleted my reference photo but could post another from that same day if you're interested.

Portrait of Tom
 

Well I completely understand, I know I'd make some requests too if I was having a portrait done of myself! And I too have the same problem, with trying to create something that is not there and make it look real! Actually I am having that same problem today.

But I really think it looks great even with that area, it could just be the way it looks on my monitor. And actually I don't think his hair looks too wild. I'm sure it does look just like him! That would be great if you could post a reference photo. Capturing a nearly exact likeness is what I'm always striving for and perhaps why I am still working at it before I try to make this my living. I'm sure I will be asking for your help in the future! :)

Tom
 

The real thing.

You're Right!
 

It does look just like him! Great job! And I can see the part of the sleeve I was talking about in your reference photo and that is what it really looks like. So please disregard what I was saying. :oops:

Jean, This is great, You definitely should continue to paint. Excellent job! I love his hair flying out like that. It's one of the best parts of the composition.

Jean,

Could you please post what medium and size this portrait is.

Thanks!

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.