Mrs. Holly Cairns
 

I just handed it over to her on 8/16th last Monday. I tried to match it with the portrait of Roger Cairns. They really liked it. But still I'm not confident on my works. Also the photo didn't come out in the right color, more reddish than the original. I have to learn how to take the picture from the works.

This portrait is oil on 36"x36" canvas.

I'm not sure why you lack confidence. Like many of us, you are your own worst enemy. If you never satisfy yourself, you'll just have to be consoled by the ecstatic recipients of your work.

They are both beautiful. The unconventional cropping and square format must make a dramatic impression at the size you painted them. If they were smaller, like 12x12 or something, they would probably make me think you copied the photo too closely. But the larger size would have a wonderful modern, contemporary feel. Your details are fabulous, too. Very nice!

You can accomplish a lot by adjusting color in a graphics program. Many people use Adobe Photoshop (very expensive), but I use Paint Shop Pro (very reasonable).

How does this look?

Jen, thanks so much for your words of encouragement!

Cynthia, the edit looks great - definitely closer to the original than my photo! I will look into what graphic programs are available to me, thanks for the tips.

Welcome to the Forum, Piety!

I'm enjoying your work very much. I like the contemporary feel of your large paintings and I think there is a market for them. You have a strong command of drawing and painting technique.

I do want to say, though, if you are going to sell your portraits, you will want to put in some effort finding flattering photo references of your subjects. Squinting into the sun is not the most attractive option for women of this age. Unless proven otherwise, I always assume people want to be portrayed as attractively, and sensitively as possible while still remaining "truthful". Otherwise, why bother painting them?

Linda, I'm glad to meet you. I lived in Phoenix untill two years ago. Thank you for welcoming me and the nice advise.

I totally understand what you are saying. I should be more sensitive to find flattering photo references, especially for women. Holly also wanted to be portrayed more attractively, so she cut hair just before taking picture and choose deep pink color shirt to wear. However Holly should stand in the sun to match her husband's portrait that was already done. When I brought the painting her, she was afraid to see the painting. But fortunately she was really pleased with her portrait when it's unveiled to her ;).

In the future, I'll prepare more options (lighting, camera, etc.) for the clients.

Piety,

You've done a beautiful job on both of these portraits - as well as the others you sent me, that you haven't posted here. I know how you feel about not being confident, believe me! But, you have worked so hard these last years and your efforts are really paying off. You have earned the right to trust yourself.

I'm so happy for you! Great job!

Kim