1 year old

[jackiesimmonds]

When I took my portrait of Gloria to my ceramics class, someone in the class was so impressed with it that she asked me to do a portrait of her nephew, for his parents for his 1st birthday. I was rather hesitant, cos I have this thing that I cannot paint portraits.......but said I would try, if she had good enuff photos. She sent me a set of six pics, very interesting, the child's mouth looked different in each one! I admire you portrait painters, doesn't this kind of thing drive you nuts?

Anyway, I loved one of the pics, and went for it. It was collected last evening, they were absolutely delighted, so I guess it must look like him.Phew.

They turned up at short notice, and I did not take a good, high res photo. I had only taken a small pic to send to the buyer by email. Note to self - DO THIS before sending out pics, ridiculous only to have an email-size image.

[bethanyt]

Another accomplished portrait, Jackie! I don't think you can say you are not a portrait painter any more...

[jackiesimmonds]

Well - after all these years of thinking that I just could not do it, it is hard to get my head around thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, maybe I can!!!

thanks Bethany.

Jackie

[luicre]

I love the values and colors on this portrait, Jackie. It loos so fresh and luminous.


And yes, mouths drive me nuts.

Saludos

Luicre

[Crystal1]

I love how you used the blues in the sky, hair, skin, leaves, and shirt. It sure brought it all together. Lovely.
Dayle

[jackiesimmonds]

Thanks Luicre, and Dayle.

Getting the value right is important, isn't it. I took the source photo into photoshop and posterised it; that gives a great map of the values, and altholugh I dont stick too closely to that, I do find it quite helpful to glance at from time to time, just to make sure I am on the right track.

I like to keep my images loose in some areas as I am not one who enjoys a totally photographic rendering; I don't see the point in doing that, because the camera will always do it better than I can! So for me, seeing the strokes of colour, and using colours which are representative rather than literal, is important.

[AndyfromVienna]

a great portrait ... don't hesitate to do more!!!



Andy

[Mares Rex]

I really like your style! Expressive and realistic at the same time.

[carolkay]

You are definatly a portrait painter. this is very lovely work.

[joolee]

Yes - most certainly a portrait painter, although why do you want to bring so much angst into your life....... Love the use of blue in the shadows.

Jools

[ReneHH]

wow...this is fantastic..gorgeous.
the way you dealt with the blues.

very good portrait....you need to paint more... really...
thanx for showing.
hope to see more
rene

[maw-t]

Just LOVELY.. makes me want to pick uP the STICKS & give it a go again!