Head study of Sargent's Elizabeth Winthrop Chanler.

You never cease to amaze me - and all of us, I suspect. Yes, glazing in acrylic is a lot quicker than in oil, but it throws up its own challenges - blending, softening edges, in particular. You tell us you've had no formal training, and of course I believe you: but how did you learn the way to paint that chain around the woman's neck? I know it's an odd thing to pick on, but I am a painter myself, so - well, I would! It's perfectly done - you must really have looked hard at paintings before you took up the brush yourself: you've observed so much. There are things you could improve, but then I know that if you'd taken longer you WOULD have improved them: this was such a valuable experiment for you; not only must it have taught you a great deal, it would teach anyone who took the time to follow you on the Forum, and to see your painting here on the Gallery.

Great study Denise - Sargent is one of my favourites and a virtuoso in my opinion - hats off to you!

Beautifully painted Denise .

The point I would make ( and I’ve commented on the forum) is that oil glazes, compared to acrylic glazes, seem ( to me ) to be richer and more nuanced. Of course, acrylic glazes are speedy, you can complete the process very quickly. Looking at JSS’s painting it has an ethereal glow which I don’t think you could achieve with acrylic. That said, Denise, you have gone through the process and will have gained a lot. It’s a great feeling. You could still put a few oil glazes over this and see what you think…..

Lovely painting Denise.

Another really good one, Denise!!

Your comments are really smashing, thanks very much Robert, Sarah, Paul, Marjorie, Stephen and David. Robert, I wouldn't remember a time I looked at a painting but since I took it up, I study all the paintings I look at very hard. I spend all my spare time just looking at all the old stuff. I really love looking and reading about the great works of art. I'm always looking at what palettes they used. Wonderful stuff.

Marjorie's right, of course - oil glazes, perhaps oil painting generally?, provide richer, deeper, more complex colours (and tones) than acrylic can really hope to do, at least as both media are made today. But they do offer their own particular challenges which in themselves spark experimentation; I'd never want to do without oil paint.... I'd rather drop dead, to be honest! But acrylic does offer its own delights.

A lovely piece of work!

Really good Denise! You should be proud of your achievement! I’m doing a portrait at the moment with an acrylic underpainting and oil overpainting, to soften the shadows. Any advice on painting gold chains though is gratefully received…

Thank you Sarah and Linda. Linda I will explain on the thread on the forum for you, how I did this one.

Lovely portrait Denise

Really beautiful work Denise!

This is a very impressive painting Denise, well done.

Fine work Denise, it's always interesting to see what you're doing. I seldom use either oils or acrylics, but it's still fascinating to watch the process.

Beautiful Denise 😍

Second all the positive comments, very good Denise

This is a fine and impressive painting Denise, and I’ve just read through the Forum piece to understand some of the work you’ve put into this and how you’ve reached this stage. Excellent!

Many thanks Christine, Diane, Russell, Lewis, Faye, Heather and Tessa.

Very good indeed Denise! It is a great idea to study great painters work like this.

So very impressive Denise. I do admire your tenacity and it has reaped great results.

Lovely work.

Excellent result Denise.

Beautifully done, Denise

Such a brilliant painting, Denise!

Much appreciated David, Carole, Nigel, Fiona, Thalia and Spencer.

Fabulous portrait Denise.

This a beautiful Denise- great painting