Skylar, your finished portrait turned out very nice. Surely Jason will be pleased.

Thanks, Margo - It is for his mother. She hasn't seen any of this yet.

Very interesting to see you try different approaches to this portrait, and I admire your perseverance.  I like different things about each.  This one is more traditional, of course, and it is fantastic.  I also really like the freedom and energy of the others.  And what an undertaking to do so many family members! 

I think this is the one and only time I set such a Goal! This has been quite a bit of work. It's funny, this was the first, and the last finished.

I love the balance of freedom and control in this portrait. It is fabulous. It is strong, but thoughtful, and very emotional. I think anyone's sister would be over the moon to receive this. I prefer this one over the other two. Wow.

Thanks Sarah. I'm sure you remember way back when I started these. I had to do all those others to get my "chops" back - as far as being truly traditional in my application. (I know you can see this, with your skill level)

I like the change in the background in this one.  It really adds to the portrait.

I love the second one - virile man, brave strokes. The painting is united by the masculinity of the subject, and the boldness of your painterly style. And of course this portrait is great, but I would say - keep the second one too, it is more you.

Wow. Very much photo realistic. Great work Skylar.

Hey Skylar very well done and ues she'll probably will.

Excellent portrait. Very strong expression.

Yes, I do like the more traditional approach (as is obvious in my ptgs) because I find them more timeless and more satisfyin to live with for the long term. I like the painterly ones too, so I would suggest keeping them as Valia said - I do, but I do it more for information/education-of-self purposes. I much prefer a finished, purposeful, complete portrait at the end of the day.   Interesting dialogue! Thank you for posting the three - it awakens the senses.

And yes - I do think this is your best work so far - wow, wow, wow.

Skylar:

When you refer to "Oil Technique", I assume that this was not done with a brush, but rather digitally on a computer. If so, what program are you uysing?

Helen - Thank you. I had that green from the orig photoseries of jay. It wasn't until I got to this version that I realized it wasn't complimentary (Artistically, not color related) to the light play on the face.

Valia - Thank You, and Yes, the second one is more "Me' style-wise. I intend to keep all the versions.

Christen - Thank you so much. As I said, this is not typical of my work - way too labor intensive, and time consuming. My sister is the Self-Appointed critic of my works, and as such, feels quite free to tell me where I "Err". She is of the school that the more literal a piece, the better it is.

Mykel - Thanks, If this doesn't please Sis, I doubt there will be another!

Thanks Abraham - I'd love to have that jaw line - makes a very strong face.

Sarah - Thank You. Thank you for your unending support, and advice.

Nat - Yes, this is digital. It is created using Corel Painter 11. I paint from scratch, just as on a canvas, just using an electronic pad and pen to simulate the painting process. I print out on canvas using a giclee printer (a professional printing co. does it for me)

I'm gonna vote for this one too, Skylar! Nice work, particularly in the subtle way the fill light from the right brings out forms.

Thanks, DM - I think the balanced effects of the key and secondary light sources is what its all about.

Let us know how it goes,  wonderful.

Jan - Thanks, I will definately let you know how all these pieces are received!

Great work Skylar! Very nice angle with light source almost from behind.

Munawadie - Thanks so much for taking time to comment. The light sources really turned out to be the major challenge. In the beginning, I thought this would be an interesting view. It turned into much more. Quite a learning curve!

Very striking portrait!

Thanks, Elayne - There is actually one more incarnation of this image - I was challenged on the excessive texturing, and as an answer, I refined the skintones to almost velvet - I will post it later, but if you like, I will send you a copy.

Good God.  What a great set on images.  I really like how you handled your medium and what an exquisite result.  Fantastic.

KB - Thanks so much. As I said to Elayne there is actually one more image that is more refined. Since I thought it was finished at this point, I didn't post it. If I get enough feed-back towards seeing it, I may post it later.

Beautfully executed piece.

Thank you Damato. I invite you to look at the framed piece, which is the last incarnation of this portrait.

It is well worth the effort you put into it.  Great portrait.

Herm