Girl with hands on hips

[Andrea Kantrowitz]

Thanks guys--

I actually make it a practice to show parents the painting in progress, because I learn a lot (and hopefully save time in the long run) from their responses--they'll pick up on small details that I wasn't noticing.

The mom originally wanted a more traditional pose, but I was happy to be able to convince her that this one expressed her daughter's unique personality more clearly.

thanks for the comment on the background, Chris. I've found myself more and more putting foliage behind subjects, and am struggling with how much detail to include. I always want to put more than my clients ask for, and am probably spending too much time on them.
this one, I really tried to keep as simple as possible.

Here's a closeup of the hand, Enzie. I was happy with how it worked out. I have struggled to capture the pudginess of children's hands, and was happy with the way this one turned out.