[Nancy Bea Miller]

Thanks Rod, for bringing up this interesting issue. So many fascinating replies! I have a slight astigmatism myself, which can lead me into unconscious painting asymmetry, so I have learned to check everything continuously in a mirrror as I go. This helps immensely. I even pack a small pocket mirror in my french easel for plein air!

Quite often though, people really DO have asymetrical faces...its not just the astigmatism at work. I guess you have to decide what to do on a case by case basis. I am currently painting a girl who has a "lazy eye". Her mother already made it clear to me they want that corrected in the portrait: the child will be having corrective surgery/therapy soon, and they hope to put the whole problem behind them. I have no problem with that. Would you?