Oliver

[Alexandra Tyng]

Enzie,

In this piece I feel there's been a successful "partnership" between the reference and your technique. The value relationships are relatively subtle, and the textures are interesting. I especially like the way his skin looks so smooth next to the leaves, and the ivy has that mysterious, lush, ivy-ish look.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Thank you Alexandra!

[Tom Edgerton]

Enzie,

Very nice! I especially like the assymmetry in the composition, and the way the background movement balances the weight of the figure.

I tried painting some ivy a while ago, and the result was pretty sad... I commend you for your pluck!

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Dear Tom,

Thank you for your nice comments. The ivy was a first for me as well. There was the constant worry how to make it read like ivy, but not have it take over the painting.

[Michele Rushworth]

Chris wrote:

. I very much like the way you have handled your values.

My thoughts exactly. You've come a long way and I particularly like your asymmetrical composition on this one.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Dear Michele,

Thank you! It is so nice to be complimented by such accomplished artists and to hear that progress in one's work is noticeable.

This last year was the " Monochrome Marathon" for me (they are my cheapest priced category). Doing so many of these paintings has helped me to understand the subtle value changes that occur in the face. I still have to look out for my enemy #1 " Senior Line" , who likes to creep up and hide here and there!

I miss painting in color though! When I did the painting of "Paco" , a little Papillion mix before Christmas, I made a promise to myself that even if I don't get any commissions for colored portraits, to squeeze in a couple of the Orientalist themed paintings again.