Tami,
It would be of a great value to one that is about to step out and critique another's painting. First you should let us know what kind of paper and brand of watercolors you are using. (everybody should do this) also it would be a great help in telling us how long you have been working in a medium.
What everyone says about your work is a great importance. But i would like to add what I see.You are both in the same plane of the painting, but you seem to be in a different plane than your daughter. She would look better if she was back farther in the work. She has a duller look in the colors whereas you are done in a brighter set of colors.
I have found that woman and kids have superfiscual layer of fat just under the skin making them harder to grasp.But knowing this makes it easier to paint. When woman get older or workout with strong muscel tone, they are easier to paint as they have more depth in the face. Babies look a lot older when the lines are not soft. In painting in any medium, try not to make the lines so pronouncd. This makes them appear much older. I know it isn't the easiest subject to do, but try this.
Do another painting without you in it. If you like the results then try it again with you in it. Do her completly first than add yourself. Try turning the photo upside down and turn your paper also.
One thing one must do before they paint is to relax. Not grind your teeth but let your mouth fall like you would be adding makeup. Stand up and swing your arms from left to right, cover your eyes with both hands leaving a space between the fingers and your eyes. Read the book drawing on the right side of the brain. It has helped ever since it was written. She explains in more detail how to get the right side, which is the artistic side. The left side is for mechanicl doings, math etc.
Never give up! I learned a lot by painting things over and over again to see if I could do them better. Also I did them in other mediums. Some subjects just are better in watercolors and others in oils or whatever.
Gerald R. Buckner "The Saint Augustine Artist" |