first child portrait

[cherynreznor]

hello everyone,

my friend ashley wanted me to draw this portrait of her niece alexis. it took me forever to make all the stray hairs somewhat realistic. her shirt was actually fleece but it ended up looking like velveteen, which is ok. next i'll probably be working on one of ashley's senior pic. if you'd like to see a larger version go to: http://www.geocities.com/cheryntrentreznor/art.html

well, i don't really know what else to say. all comments and critiques will be appreciated!!!

[watercolor girl]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[peoplepainter]

Having just worked on a pencil drawing and tackling those hairs, I MORE than appreciate the work you did on this one! It is truly superb and what you accomplished with the hair is outstanding!
I just checked out your site. Your Robert Plant is terrific as are many others but I think this one is your best yet! Great job!

Lisa

[cherynreznor]

watergirl- thanks so much for the kind comment.

peoplepainter- i took a look at your website. wow, you must be really accomplished. do you do commissions as your full-time job? if so, how did you get your name out and start getting so many commissions? being my own boss is definitely my goal. thanks for commenting, it means a lot coming from someone so talented!

i messed around with the pic some more, fixed the jawline and redid the background, so i'll just post the new version and the ref while i'm at it. have a great day everyone!

[peoplepainter]

Hi again!
You really hit the likeness on this drawing. You really are very good and there is no reason you can't "be your own boss."
Thanks for the comments on my site and your other compliments. To answer your question, yes, I do portrait work-full time by commission. Truthfully, getting to the point of full-time work is a process that takes a while. It starts with family, friends and freebies. LOL. You know what I mean? Telling everyone you know that you would appreciate business sent your way is a great start. I'ts a snowball effect. Happy clients tell others and so on and so on. That is why getting as much of your good work out there as possible is important. My own experience is that advertising doesn't work. People need to see the "real thing" to be motivated to commission you. There are other creative ways to get your name and work in front of people. Donate to a charity auction so your work is displayed in front of the well-to-do supporters. Hang samples in frame shops and deliver the work they send you to them for framing--a win-win! They send you business and you bring it right back. The bottom line is satisfied clients will talk about you and recommend you and that is the best advertising you can get. I wish you the very best. I think you will do very well. Hope that helps.

Lisa