The HR department was NOT happy.

If this is your first time painting a human then Bravo!! You did well.

It really draws you in.

Looking back I recall that I have done a couple of paintings that included people, but they weren't people that were intended to be anybody in particular. What's tricky is making the painting recognizable and why I wanted to avoid painting anyone I knew.

anyone ever tell you you looked like a very young nick cave?

but I don't know who that is anyhow.

Let me introduce you

It was an old wall socket with only two holes (no ground), so that made it easier.

I’m going to try a portrait after all the furry friends I’ve been painting the last few years. Going to try painting a young friend’s baby. I’ve watched a few how to videos online to get pumped up.

Really, a beautiful portrait. You really captured the serenity and satisfaction your 4 yr old self seemed to possess.

The fur is tricky. The thing I learned from an art instructor is that you don't think about what it is you are painting, you just look at the shapes in the abstract, even turn it upside down. That makes it easier. When you've finished the baby, post the painting!

of the Year" ? : SO many ways to paint humans!

In the olden days people would sit for portraits (probably still do), I can't imagine how uncomfortable that would be, both for the sitter and the artist.

You did a wonderful job.

Last edited Mon Aug 26, 2024, 10:42 AM - Edit history (1)

The composition and rendering, perfect! You created such a moving portrait of yourself, a little girl sitting alone and intently listening to your records (something I would have done, too, if I’d had a record player).

You have really evoked the emotion of being totally engrossed in your music and tuning out the outside world, in a child so small, it’s quite extraordinary to see.

This painting is really first rate.

I've finally learned that you don't have to duplicate the photo reference exactly, which is freeing. You can "fix" the composition if you don't like it. The original had a lot of clutter that I left out.

I love the feeling of this child (you) being in her own little world. I can really relate to it.

looks like a pretty good effort to me. Congrats!

because if you don't aim the eyes exactly right, your subject will look cross-eyed and insane.

Take it from someone who's been doing this professionally for just shy of 60 years. You're good!

Coming from someone in the business, that makes me pretty happy!

The depth of feeling you’ve created draws me into the room and into your little girl’s heart and your mood of that moment.

You definitely are a very talented portraiture artist, Ocelot II. Thank you so much for sharing your work.

I might call it "Portrait Of The Nerdiest Kid In Kindergarten."

For a first a first attempt, you did an amazing job. Im the same way. My people look like they were drawn by a five-year old. That's why I[ve never included figures or faces in my paintings.

It's just a bunch of shapes.

Cute kid!

I think the song on the record might have been "The Teddy Bears' Picnic," which might inspire pensiveness in some.

Are you wearing slippers?

I am much better at rendering any critter from a photograph. Your subject holds still.

Can't wait to see more!

Right down to the handss, so accurately rendered without drawing undue attention to themselves.

Listening to music, too. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

She is deeply intent on the music, nearly lost in it. At least this is my impression upon looking at it.

It has meaning for me because my daughter plays both the piano and violin and she is very good - good enough on piano to play at weddings, funerals and taught piano for a while in her twenties.

I can remember some years ago when she was still at home, and I would hear her practicing on the piano we had in the living room. I'd go in there and just listen, getting lost in the music. To this day, when she's in her late thirties, I still enjoy hearing her play.

Music is magical. In this painting, we can almost hear the music.