Wow you guys are exceedingly kind and positive, thank you very much everyone!!!
It is oil paint done in layers. The first layers were frighteningly ugly and not something anyone should be subject to. They could put a client into crocodile tears.
However I am used to having to push, pull and adjust (plus no measuring tools in the mirror), so I was not all that frightened (well at least most of the time I wasn't), knowing I'd manage something OK and reasonably credible in the end. I just never have been one to dash off something good right off.
My better results usually come more from mule headed perseverance than anything. Occasionally the opposite is true, but not very often.
I have to thank Bill Whitaker for his constant reminders about the positives of painting from life.
I have to thank Marvin also, who has to look at that ugly mug every Friday for awhile (I'm not sure if his "I know that guy" was a greeting or a complaint
). Marvin had a few very good tweaking suggestions for me week before last as I dragged it over to him when this was nearly finished. They were helpful in removing some of the nuances that I'd put in the way of getting as strong a feeling of form as was possible.
The light coming through the ears, and the shadows from the hair were some real perks of the odd lighting setup, the lighting wasn't all bad by any means, but I did find it tough.
Anyway, again, I surely do appreciate all your positive responses.
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