self portrait

[dollardays]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Sep-2001/selfportpastel.jpg

I spent an hour on this and decided to quit, leaving it with a sketchy, loose feel to try a different style. I am usually at something for days, trying to get just the right shade.

Then again, it's hard to hold a smile for more than an hour. ;)

Any comments welcome- I did this for the self-portrait from life project over at the portraiture forum.

Regards,

Nora

[aaasp]

I like it Nora. Very expressive. Alive and gentle.
I think you were right to leave it.
The only last thing I might have done is emphasized a few highlights in the face.
Best,
Anthony

[stealth]

nice use of color and i see you have a good eye for proportions.:)

[dollardays]

Thanks for taking a minute to comment, Anthony and Stealth. I had thought I was going too light on the highlights- but maybe they just need to be a different shade? They turned kind of blue. :( Nora

[Sandi]

Nora! This is great!! Love how you used push pull with the background. Nice warm friendly colors, down to earth, yet energetic and electric.
Only suggestion is to not be afraid to lose your lines in the eyelids, etc. Play a bit with your next one with the push pull, receding and advancing with your colors as they go around their space. Even so, it's a remarkable painting. VERY painterly!