Dilemma

[Bill76434]

I have a request from a very good friend (She is 101 years old) to paint a portrait of her daughter, a surprise gift.
The reference photo quality is not very good. see below

Details

I am having difficulty in capturing the likeness and expression.see my attempt. I traced it.

Details

 I would like some advise on the values please

[njnjgirl]

I think it is a good likeness.  There is hair by her left eye that I do not see in your drawing or it is too dark. 

[Win]

 The shape and likeness of her face is good Bill but you need more dark values, on her neck the shading needs to be much darker and fading out. You seem to have stopped with the shading on her right side leaving a lighter strip between that and her hairline. The left upperlip in the photo is thicker and higher than the right, in your sketch its the opposite.
Thats just my humble observation. Hope it helps a little

[JayJ]

It’s really good Bill...!
I agree with Win about the left upper lip and maybe right eye  could be a tad bit smaller and more deep set ?
Looking forward to finished drawing!

[nolan]

spot on advice so far

[Bill76434]

  Mary Lou, Win, Zayn and Nolan. I also note now that the cheek profile should be altered.
I shall adjust and transfer to the W/C paper, I anticipate doing at least two A4 paintings before the final. One on HP and one on CP, see what looks the best then hope for the best.

[Win]

I also note now that the cheek profile should be altered.
I shall adjust and transfer to the W/C paper, I anticipate doing at least two A4 paintings before the final. One on HP and one on CP, see what looks the best then hope for the best.

Aah its going to be a Watercolour Painting, thought it was to be a graphite sketch hence my remark re shading. Im sure its going to look terrific when finished.

[TeresaM]

Hi Bill why don't you just get the photo printed big enough to trace. Painting it is going to be hard enough. Just an idea 

[Bill76434]

Thanks Win.
Teresa thanks for the comment. I have traced it on A4 size but being a poor resolution photo the eye details are not clear.
I shall persevere 

[Bill76434]

Well this is my third attempt and I am frustrated, I will not give up but feel I need to do something different for a break

Details

Any advise will be welcome. Also advise for background please.

[JayJ]

I don’t do water colours or portraits...but I really really like it!is it the same one as I saw earlier in the gallery?
The only thing ....my eye keeps going to ,is the bottom part of left cheek do you need little more shadow or trim the edge bit more?
Let see what the experts say!
Great work Bill!!

[njnjgirl]

I think it looks great.  Looks just like her in the photo.  Not sure if you even need a background.

[nolan]

I think you have captured the likeness and the personality in this painting

The bottom left corner that Zayn is referring to is just slightly wider where the cheeck and the mouth meet, but not so much that I would worry about it.

The only thing that bothers me is the strong V shape on the neck. I would suggest softening this effect by lightening the lines on the inside of the V

[Bill76434]

  Gee thanks everyone, I intend to see my friend today to seek her opinion.
I'll let you know.

[TeresaM]

Bill you did a wonderful painting  I hope your friend likes the painting.