Edited Portrait by George Wilson

Yes, that's better - but you could still do with strengthening/establishing a strong shadow beneath the nose, which is still getting lost in the flesh colours. BUT .... If I'd done this, though, I'd leave it and not fiddle - you've made a statement about this young man. Let it stand, and do another portrait = of him or of someone else. Be more bold next time, but don't struggle with this one because the more you do now, the more you'll be likely to spoil the good work you've already done: and then you'll just get fed up and think you've ruined it. Next time, observe the play of light and shade - don't be nervous about indicating strong darks (Indian Red and ultramarine or cobalt blue, light red and ultramarine, are useful at giving strong shadows - try them out on a spare piece of paper first, see how they work with your basic flesh tones). Carry colours through - in this particular case, the red of the boy's shirt would have swept over his right shoulder, for example - think in the round; think of how things work, how fabric lies on the body and sweeps round, encompassing it. This is an attractive portrait now - and it really needs to be left alone: stop at this point! Never, ever fiddle when you've made a statement, as you have here. If you do, you'll ruin it and disappoint yourself - but go on from here and develop your technique for your next portrait. By the way - this is the most valuable advice I've ever given, and I'd normally charge for it! You lucky person.......... (Chortle.....) So you can take it as read that I wouldn't offer it at all if I didn't think you had a real talent and should be able to develop it.

Thank you Robert for your very kind comments. The best way I can pay you for this advice is to take it to heart and act on it. Now that you've mentioned it I see the problem with the red shirt on the left shoulder (Why didn't I see it before?) It doesn't drape at all. I was very timid in added the shading around the nose because I didn't want to overdo it. So, no more fiddling, I've put the date on it and put it out of sight. Onward and upward!