My first watercolor portrait!

[SoonerAsh]

Hello, this is my first watercolor portrait. Several years ago I did some charcoal portraits, but I haven't done any portraiture since. I took a photo of my niece having a milkshake a couple of weeks ago and decided to give it a try.

It is 9.5"w x 10.25" h on 300# Fabriano Uno paper with Windsor and Newton watercolors.

Full Size:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Mar-2005/28568-Rebecca15.jpg

Close up:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Mar-2005/28568-Rebecca12.jpg

Please let me know of any critiques and comments you may be able to provide me. I greatly appreciate any tips on how to improve this painting or with future paintings.

Much thanks,
Ash :)

[Ikneadaneraser]

As I tell all watercolorists, I cannot control that medium, and I have the greatest admiration for those who use it.
IMHO, this is very good. I think you did a great job with the skin tones. And you avoided making a 'portrait' of her ear- a common downfall for me!

My usual advice is to push the darks to allow the 3D to 'POP'! The left side of her face seems a tad darker, but almost the same level as the right. In fact, her hand seems to be darker than the cheek behind it. There would be more light falling on her hand than on the dark side of the face.

I hope this doesn't seem too critical?

[eileenclaire]

Wow, you did great for a first watercolor portrait! A very successful portrait! Excellent rendering of the hand. Jerry gave you great advice. The face in the portrait looks rather flat - by increasing the value range you will give it more dimension. Unless of course, this is the style you are after. The shake container and glass are nicely done, and the spoon in the shake container leads my eye right up to her face. I'm a little confused as to the background, especially that shape in the right top corner. It distracts the eye away from your lovely niece. The background on the left is confusing as well.

This is very nice work, you have a wonderful touch for portraits!

[maria_khurram]

WOW you have done a great job. I also feel some difficulty in watercolors because they are hard to control. You can also see watercolor portrait by me and tell me how it is.

I have visited your website. What a great work you have done in all mediums. :clap: :clap: Specially a great control at watercolors is suplendor.

[jocelynsart]

You did a great job on the fingers! They are very hard to do. You have some nice tones in the skin. The nose is well done! Maybe, the next one, try leaving some lights in the face. The tone is a bit flat and there are no highlights or range in the values. What beautiful eyes this child has!
Jocelyn

[Bordelon]

If this is your first portrait in watercolor, don't stop! I can't give you advice, but I think you have a real future in watercolor.

Sandra