Thanks for all your thoughtful and kind comments on experiment #1.
Onto experiment #2.: Experiments #1 and #2 have photo challenges in common, even though this surface is not shiny. These colors are somewhat brighter than the original and playing in PS didn’t get them right. No glazing here, the paint was applied fresh but thick with medium.
I say, “meh”. So far I’m confirming that the way I usually work, seems to work better for me. I’m going to have to paint this model in my old tried and true fashion, because I just haven’t begun to do her justice.
Tomorrow, oil experiment #3
Elenacaravela's Blog 
Her gaze and expression are so haunting. I adore your paintings and very much appreciate the time and effort you put into explaining some of the details behind your process, thank you so much Elena!
You are most welcome Patti. Thank YOU!
Maybe the photo, but the forehead tones stand out a bit starkly. I Like the hair treatment but maybe at odds with the skin a little. Saying that, though, its a nice composition and says what it says.
Def. photo probs. Thanks Simon.
Beautifully done!
Thank you:)
Even though it is a beautiful painting..I kinda like the first one better! *sniff* – that’s me sniffing while tearing because I can now add “I know a few really talented artist”! (I just won’t tell people we haven’t actually met and stuff! LOL!)
So kind of you Shree! We are blog buddies for sure:) Your insights inspire me. Thank you!
Still, a very-very beautiful portrait. The shading to her cheeks is right where my eyes are drawn. Lovely work, Elena.
Thank you:)
Superbly painted – it is the mouth and eyes that exude amazing expression – as though the lips are just on the verge of moving – a suspended moment.
Thank you Karen. You see beyond the evident-always:)
There is a change of balance of interest compared with the first example. In the first portrait I was strongly attracted instantly to the character, and only then to how the picture had been made. In the second portrait I am much more aware, at an early stage, of the painterly process
Yes indeed:) Thanks Louis!
This is another brilliant piece of work – love the portrait! It’s your style and use of color from her hair texture and blends, to flesh tones – wonderful combinations. Her face is haunting – it stays with me, you have a unique ability to zero in on emotion and mode. Such a beautiful quality in an artist ~
So nice of you Mary. Thanks very much:)
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you!
Great work. Fascinated me. Thanks and Love, nia
Thank you Nia!
Reblogged this on photographyofnia.
I think what you have is a very different kind of mood to your usual style. This is still a great painting.
Thanks Richard:)
It’s an arresting image. Meh or not, I’d hang it.
Thank you Paul:)
It’s the way you have captured her expression that captures me…so beautiful Elena x
Many thanks Jane:)
I like this one but I liked the contrast of light and dark more in the first one. I’m looking forward to seeing the third!
You’ve got it-later today. Thank you!
Really nice. Thanks for the explanations on how did you paint it. I love experimenting. I cannot wait until the next post!
Thanks so much:)
loving it x
Thank you Amelia:)
Great work, Elena. Yes, colours are a tad brighter in this one. Especially on the forehead. Really looking forward to #3!
Thanks much Uday!
Looking forward to seeing the third experiment.
I have a slight preference for this one, but also liked the darkness (?) in the first attempt.
Thank you. Glad you weighed in:)
This is great! You’re much too hard on yourself, Elena!
Thanks Melia! I think it’s in the nature of artists to push to better realize a vision, and idea. It’s fun really:)
She’s wonderful but I like the pose, eyes, and skin tones better on experiment no. 1. Can’t wait to see experiment no. 3.
Thanks Jill!
Elena, this is more than amazing! I just can’t turn my eyes away from it!
Looking forward to seeing your next masterpiece.
Masterpiece, no, but thank you Mary. Great to have your comments!
This is much more like your style, and common with your watercolor.
Something puzzling me was, are you going to give an experimented work on PS =
computer print-out or reflecting back to the painting and give the painted one to
your client (who commissioned you) ?
Any how I wait to see another experiment.
(You know, I’m very interested in to see the process of creation) 😉
Me too Yoshi! And it’s a great idea to take this digital as well! We’ll see how much time I’ve got to make that happen:)
This is stunning!
Thank you Jess!
Gosh I think your work is so very good that I find it impossible to find anything worng with any of it frankly!
Sweet of you Helen. Just trying on different shoes, to find the most durable and comfortable for me.
Well I’m holding my comments until I see more! This one she seems so fragile!
Def. Thanks Robin!
This is sensational, Elana. Beautiful work, as always. Color and lighting much cleaner on this one than #1, but they both carry their own amazing energy.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. Much appreciated!
One of the things I love about paintings is how the brush strokes suggest an almost photographic reality without being anything near photographic in their rendering. It is all illusion.
Indeed. I love that too:)
Elena, loving the experimenting. You are brave to show the works that you don’t consider to be successful. It’s very generous to expose for the sake of the lesson. You are a born teacher!
David, teaching is one of my greatest joys, (insightful of you). I’m sort of an art evangelist:) Thank you.
You have some serious talent!!!
Why thank you! Lovely comment:)