Native American Portrait

[Bongo1]

This is soft pastels on Colorfix paper. It's 20" x 30". Kimjew provided was very kind to let me use his photo as a reference: http://kimjew.deviantart.com/art/Desiree-121780119. I believe that the model's name is Desiree.

What do you think? Please be brutally honest with your critique. Colors? Likeness? Values?

Thanks!

[bethanyt]

I think you have done a great job with this! It almost looks like thick paint- an effect that I love.
I think a cooler red behind her head- especially near her shoulder- would help to emphasise her face. Complete the necklace and shirt a bit more- it just needs a little tweaking.

[Paula Ford]

Brutally honest? Ok, here goes..... LOVE IT!! It's fablous and I have no crit!

[Turpintine45]

Love the colours an painterly effect. Jen

[Deborah Secor]

Kim Jew is a well known photographer here in Albuquerque! His work always has a certain look to it. I also feel like I know this woman. Probably a model hereabouts.

It's so good, Bongo! Wow! Okay, just soften the line of shadow along her nose, and blend out that bit below her lower lip that's making her look pouty. I agree with Bethany on the red, and I'd suggest either taking her squash blossom necklace a bit farther or losing some of the light on it. I think the earring helps to indicate what the necklace is.

I love the work you're doing. Keep going!

Deborah

[santosi]

the true is that i like your painting better than the photo.

[BetsyPriesing]

Wow this is a beauty, I like the blues amongst all that warm red, great choice.

[Bongo1]

Thanks everyone for your great comments. Revised version is attached. I worked on the necklace and earring. I tried to cool down the siennas behind her head. I also did a significant amount of work on her mouth and chin in an effort to improve the likeness. Thoughts?

Betsy: Thanks!

Santosi: Thanks!

Deboarh: Thanks for the encouragement. I tried to address your comments. That's an amazing coincidence that you are familiar with Kim Jew. Actually, it's amazing that I came across his page on deviantart.com. I looked through hundreds of photos to find a good reference and stumbled on this one. I had no idea that he was a well known photographer.

Turpintine: Thanks!

Paula: Thanks!

Bethany: I hope that the changes address your comments, which are good ones. Thanks!

[Deborah Secor]

Beautiful improvements to a beautiful piece. Her bottom lip is perfect now, and the softened nose shadow is good. Love the necklace.

Deborah

[DAK723]

Beautiful piece!

Don

[bethanyt]

Definitely! Now she is the star of the painting- not the background. Beautiful work!

[Dcam]

this is such a lovely portrait. I thought at first it was an oil pastel, it has such a fluid quality. colors are wonderful. Enjoyed very much. Derek.
:thumbsup:

[jaytee]

I love both versions.... though just prefer the original untweaked version for its dramatic lighting and more youthful appearance... teh tweaked version looks softer and more realistic - a little older ... possibly a better likeness ? ... but the earlier version for me has more character..... I guess there is sometimes a conflict between likeness and character......especially in commissions....... but in a non commissioned piece I think character is just great :)

[bnoonan]

Good going!!! Barb

[cornwall]

Such a beautiful portrait, excellent use of colour.

[Bongo1]

Thank you all so much for your comments and compliments!

[allydoodle]

Lovely portrait - nice lighting, sensitivity, and very painterly!