Lizzie

[Deborah Barton]

Hi Chris,

Thanks so much for your feedback! You have no idea how helpful it is. In fact, your book on skin tones has been my main resource the past several months. (I definitely need to re-read the section on light temperature.) Sadly, my daughter is 18 now, so a photo retake won't work. I may be able to co-opt a friend's baby or find another reference photo for the hands.

Yes, the difficulties with watercolor is one of the reasons I'm moving toward oils. I've registered for a 2-week workshop in July at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia. Until then, I'm self taught, so your critique is extremely appreciated.

Deborah Barton

[Garth Herrick]

Deborah,

This is a fun and joyful image to look at, and I think it is a breath of fresh air. I love the luminence in this work. In this respect you are far more successful than the photo. After all it is a very sunny day and your daughter is in perfect sync with the wonderful weather. I think most importantly you captured the real feeling of the occasion, and I like the luminous lights in the feet, arms, etc. The slight flattening does not bother me. One could paint this a little darker to get all the "correct" highlight relationships, but one would compromise the whole aspect of fun and levity in the painting in the process. Since you are not using a flash photo reference, the super high key values work, because the forms turn just enough. Don't worry, the viewer knows how to complete the interpretation even if some of the information is only suggested or a little understated. I like it.

The one thing that bothers me is the dark line on her right leg is a lttle heavy and out of sync with the luminance. I don't know how easy it is to lighten a watercolor, but that line could be modulated to be much more diminished as it rises toward her knee.

[Michele Rushworth]

Deborah, let us know how it goes at Incamminati. I'd love to take a workshop there!

[Kimberly Dow]

I was reading these over and realized my comment above could have used some different wording! I did not mean to say that anyone would hate yours - just that they did mine. Your non-traditional is much more sucessful than the one I did.

Just didnt want to appear rude!

[Deborah Barton]

Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow

I was reading these over and realized my comment above could have used some different wording! I did not mean to say that anyone would hate yours - just that they did mine. Your non-traditional is much more sucessful than the one I did.

Just didnt want to appear rude!

No problem. I didn't take it badly at all. I appreciate your comments.

[Deborah Barton]

Originally Posted by Garth Herrick

Deborah,

This is a fun and joyful image to look at, and I think it is a breath of fresh air. I love the luminence in this work. In this respect you are far more successful than the photo. After all it is a very sunny day and your daughter is in perfect sync with the wonderful weather. I think most importantly you captured the real feeling of the occasion, and I like the luminous lights in the feet, arms, etc. The slight flattening does not bother me. One could paint this a little darker to get all the "correct" highlight relationships, but one would compromise the whole aspect of fun and levity in the painting in the process. Since you are not using a flash photo reference, the super high key values work, because the forms turn just enough. Don't worry, the viewer knows how to complete the interpretation even if some of the information is only suggested or a little understated. I like it.

The one thing that bothers me is the dark line on her right leg is a lttle heavy and out of sync with the luminance. I don't know how easy it is to lighten a watercolor, but that line could be modulated to be much more diminished as it rises toward her knee.

Thanks, Garth. Yes, I see what you mean about her right leg. It should be simple enough to correct that. BTW, I hope to get by to see your work at the Philadelphia Sketch Club this week.:-)