Dear Vianna,

This is a very, very WOW piece. It's both subtle and compelling, and very ethereal. 'Magnetic" is a very appropriate term. This is definitely a competition portrait.

I can hardly wait to see your next post!

Wow, thanks Chris! That means a lot. Diane and I have yet to get together this summer to paint. I want her to see this piece because she paints alla prima. She was telling me about your workshop where you told her to scumble opaque paint to make the flesh tones. I thought that was interesting. I had always read that the shadows must be kept transparent and that white would flatten the shadow. By accident, a couple of years ago, I dry brushed white into a shadow area and found it make the flesh tones more dimensional. I continued to paint that way though I always thought I was doing something wrong. ( I never had oil painting lessons) I'm still puzzled by the "no white in the shadow" rule. This particular painting has many layers of glazing and scumbling and lots of white in the shadow.
Vianna

Vianna,

Her skin looks like porcelain, however you did it, it works beautifully. I'm so glad you were able to repair the puncture, and keep going on this piece. I know I learned from your experience.

Jean

Vianna, this is just gorgeous. I absolutely love the eyes. Stunning.

Gorgeous -- incredible living color in the skintones. Great job!

Vianna,
I'm with Chris on this one...WOW! This is execution on the Grand Master level. Congratulations.

Thank you for the complements. If you could see me through the computer you would find me blushing.

Vianna

Vianna,

I must ditto all above! She is lovely, plus she is a lovely young lady.

I can't wait to see her brother! :thumbsup:

Wow Vianna, so glad you were able to repair this. . . it's just beautiful!

This is very mysterious and haunting - simply beautiful. What a treasure for your daughter.