From the artist: Hi there. My name is Jenny, I am 23 years old and live in South Africa. This is my first ever oil painting! I have done a lot of pencil portraits and a few in pastel, but this is the first in oil. I did this painting for a colleague (it is his daughter) from a photograph. I am sending you the scanned image of the photograph as well. It is quite small, about 105 mm x 148 mm. I do not have a studio unfortunately, and no easel. I paint wherever and whenever the opportunity comes along. That's about all I can say, except that I think your site is wonderful !!! and I enjoy it very much.

The Learning Gallery: Portrait of Lelani
Your Original	Strong Points: Nice simplification of her hair. The mouth doesn't show her individual teeth. For some unknown reason this looks better than defining them. The head is in a nice position and well placed in the picture area. Doesn't look like a license photo. Her hand enhances this look. Great expression!

My Modified Version

Areas to Work On: Right under the eyelids there is usually a shadow cast onto her eyes (unless the light source is directly below her face), as well as under her chin and the hat. In the original photograph you sent to me, her eyebrows are not quite as high. Her eyes are a bit smaller and more separated.

My modifications: I emphasized the dark areas. Additional comments: Excellent job! [ Discuss in the Art Critique Message Forum! ]