Esme by Dennis Spicer

This is a beautiful portrait. I believe you have to prime the canvas with Gesso before painting in oils. The only little flaw I noticed is the eyes, the left is larger. The hair, skin tones, everything is perfect.

Murderously difficult to paint a portrait in oil when the surface isn't right - you just can't get the freedom of stroke in the brush. This is, however, a very telling portrait, and my only comment is that the nose is somewhat thicker on the darker side than it is on the light: this may well be a trick of the light, but it just slightly throws things out. I think I see what Lorraine means about the eyes ... there is a slight dissonance between the right and left sides of the face; while there often is, in real life, I suspect this reflects the struggle you've had with the porous surface of your canvas. The portrait is, however, extremely effective and telling - you're going to have to be extremely careful not to lose what you've achieved in altering it: and believe me, I don't envy you! It is so very, very nearly there - to the extent that, if it were me, I'd call it a study, and start afresh. (And then sell both!)