Just to confuse matters

I agree with you, but that is purely a question of preference of style. The other one has a lovely sense of quiet and she has more of a twinkle in her eye, something which perhaps you only know about or were told about, and which is not present in your reference. If you've primed the board properly etc, which I can't imagine you haven't, would there be harm in showing it too, unless the other version has been accepted?

That really is beautiful.

Again a wonderful portrait, Marjorie. No offense, but I prefer the other one: there is more light in it and she looks brighter. :) Mia

Yes you have hard to say Marjorie but you will decide

Other one for me Marjorie. Forgive me for being honest but there's something "wiggish" about this one around the hairline (forehead) . The other one is a gem. Sorry......)-:

No offence at all Jim, I think you're right when I come to look. Tomorrow all will be resolved one way or another and I can "put this to bed".

I think they are both beautiful portraits. Your very talented.

Beautiful portrait of a lovely lady.

This is very beautiful Marjorie, another great portrait and proof of your skill.

Win win win.Brill Marjorie

Seeing it on here instead of on the Forum gives a slightly different impression, and yes I see the "wiggish" point - but you could change that by softening the hair-line a little; that's the big advantage of oil paint. I still prefer it on balance - it is a softer painting, and the older face does benefit from less harsh lighting (mine does, certainly....).

Both are excellent Marjorie, but speaking as a woman, I know she'll prefer the first one which is more flattering. We ladies like to look gorgeous and the first one has a lovely glow about it, especially the hair and eye . Looking our best in a flattering light is important to most of us :)

This one is simpler...works better IMHO.

Sensitive and fresh, Marjorie, love the soft scarf.

Thanks for the input everyone. Although I liked doing this one best, the approach etc, I took the earlier one. You're right Louise , it was a kinder portrait and thankfully the family liked it very much. Jim, I did adjust the hairline and it looks better. I will say though that my future approach will be without gridding. I find it more natural , to me at least, to work from tones and adjust as I go along.

My thought are that a painter might well prefer this one but the client, being a lady, would naturally prefer the flattering one that makes her look younger. I would :)

I said it from the off this is my favourite the other one is very good this is inspired ... also it's incredible that we artists are all so different in which one we like best , but it's also great we all don't agree . Thank you for your thoughts on my panorama and it's amazing I only took it on as a gallery asked me would I , if it's accepted it will turn into a nice little earner , the print market in limited edition high class prints is huge the money paid out makes it far more lucrative than selling an individual painting hands down

Sorry Marjorie I meant to mention my panorama is 30 inches wide by 9 inches high