A comparison

The female appeals more, but then she is a lady. However I do prefer that rendition.

Two good paintings, Michael. I find it hard to say which is better, they both have their merits. If pushed, I'd edge towards the method used for the female portrait. If this is the first time you've used the technique shown in the male portrait, I'd say it's definitely worth pursuing. It doesn't have to be one or the other. It'll be interesting to see what other people say.

Both have their merits and both painted by a skilled and talented artist and to me that's what counts

Thanks for the comments. It’s not quite the first time but I usually spend too much time tidying up a painting and consequently it looks over worked. I’ve deliberately finished the male much sooner than usual and it fact took under 2 hours from start to finish but to let it go as it is is very hard. There is next to no detail in his hand and that really doesn’t sit easy with me.

Yes agree with the hand but it's a quick sketch and can be for many purposes if painting from life but I know what you mean Michael follow your gut I say

For me Michael it’s not a case of which is better as I see merit in both. The important thing for me is that in both you have captured an expression and mood. Although i really like the looser style i don’t think the hand works very well but only because i think it’s not as resolved as the face. I think certain subjects will lend themselves to each style the difficulty you may have is selecting which one to use.

Two beautiful portraits, Michael. As for me, I prefer a quick and loose style like that of the man, but maybe this deal with my impatience when a paint a watercolour portrait. I find tha man equally expressive than the woman.

The others have expressed what I think. There is no better or worse. It is whatever you want to communicate - your gut instinct will tell you.

Really appreciate this great feedback thank you.

They're both very good portraits, but my personal preference is the style of the woman's portrait... not sure why, it just holds my attention longer and appeals to me more...

They are both super but I think the female has the edge for me as I like more detailed work rather than impressionist.

I like both styles and find it hard to choose. Immediately I like the female but I do myself sometimes try to get the looser style of the male. You do the female style so well it seems a shame to change. But we all like to experiment and sometimes it is nice to do something different which I think you do very well Michael.