A portrait of mother by Alun Chirgwin

Well as a beginner I'd say a mighty well done first of all. I guess I would have made the dark areas like the shadows and inside the top e.t.c darker still. Also I think I would make the background darker around the outer portion. But I'm no expert either. It's all in proportion and looks good to me mate. It just looks a little thin paint wise. If you know what I mean. Best tip of all though.......keep painting!

When you say 'thin', do you mean I should be making the colours stronger?? I sort of held back from that as I thought they would be overwhelming if strong. I've dabbled in water colour, and I suppose it stems from that !!

Hi Alun, Yes that's right. But depends of course what effect you are after. I too started painting watercolour and found that when I switched to oil I still tried to make a colour lighter by allowing the white paper to show through instead of adding white pigment to a particular colour. Don't fret though, It all comes with practice. I don't put just one coat of thick paint on though. I tent to build it up in layers. I'm not trying to promote my website here, but if you take a look on my 'works in progress' and 'my method' page you'll get a better idea of what I mean. As I say though, I'm not expert either. Hope that helps mate. www.freewebs.com/chrischalkart

Painting people is very difficult, I think you have done a fab job. I agree with Chris, more paint, I use acrylic and again agree with Chris, add it layer by layer thinned with water if you like, doesn't take long to dry and is much better than slapping on a thick layer, trust me I've done that and it looks pants!

Well done i like it as it is...left shoulder of the sitter...out of proportion, perhaps?

This has incredible charm to it, great piece!