Saturday, September 22, 2012

Sierra

I have painted Sierra several times in the past, but when you get a wonderful model, one tends to keep them....especially when they're your granddaughter.  She's only 14 but loves to model for me.  She's growing up so fast.  She has the perfect hair that I love to paint.  I painted this, of course, with pastels and loved the shadows in her face from the sun when she was looking out the window.   I value the opinions of all my Artist buddies...my question....Should I omit the shadows?

125 comments:

  1. It is beautiful Hilda as always and I am the first one here, how about that? lol

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    1. thank you so much for that lovely comment, BARBARA!! I appreciate it!!

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  2. Hilda, this is awesome! This is not an easy facial angle to portray, but you have done a marvelous job. As for the shadows, it's a tough call. I think overall, they bring a quality of lightness to the portrait. Removing them would deaden the feel of light. And you have done a great job of her gorgeous hair!!

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    1. thank you KATHRYN for your comment...I was really confused when some of my family didn't like the shadow work...my problem is that I paint what I see..sometimes one shouldn't..I liked it better with them. Enjoy this beautiful day!

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  3. Dear Hilda, the portrait is amazing with shadows,that emphasize the character that you have given to the portrait, on a psychological level! 14 years, a complex moment in a girl's life ... For me it is perfect as it is! Wonderful!

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    1. thank you SO much RITA!!!! I appreciate your comment!

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  4. Don't remove the shadows, Hilda, they add so much character to the painting! What a lovely model, your granddaughter, beautiful hair!

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    1. thank you JUDY! I needed to hear that! My granddaughter had straight hair...then puberty came and so did the curls!!! I appreciate your comment!!

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  5. I agree the shadows/light should stay Hilda. Beautiful model and lovely portrait.

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    1. thank you SO much SUE for your comment!! I appreciate you stopping by!!!

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  6. She is gorgeous, Hilda! I too like the sunlight play on your granddaughter, but I guess I'll stand out and say that I think they would look even better if softened a bit, more like the hint on her shoulder and around her mouth. Considering my lack of expertise, however, please do go with your gut and your heart and the advice of those better equipped to give it. I think your work is always top notch.

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    1. Thank you so much SHERRY for that beautiful comment! I really appreciate your opinion! We all see things differently. Since I was told the shadows were too severe I needed to know if I should fix it..

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  7. Hilda, she is such a lovely girl and you have done a beautiful job. As to shadows, when I look at your painting, I don't have the feeling that anything at all is amiss. I think it's perfect the way it is.

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    1. thank you for your wonderful comment, CONNIE!! I appreciate it so much!!!! Enjoy the rest of the day..

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  8. Shadows are ALL! To me a picture without shadows is 2D. Your's is strictly 4D, if you include the character you draw out her.

    I bet Sierra loves it! I certainly do!

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    1. thank you JOHN!!! Your comments always lift me up!! Yes, Sierra loves!!! Have a wonderful day!!

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  9. The expression in her eyes and on her lips plus the the type of hair she has, drew me in, so I thought - what shadows?
    They do not blast at the viewer because it is a gentle light so I would be careful about changing anything. If you do, I know you will do a good job.

    Another beautiful portrait, Hilda. Sierra must like what you do too. Congratulations.
    I know a young lady of that age would not sit for you if you did a bad job - no matter how much she loved her grandmother.

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful comment, JULIE! I truly value your opinion. Sierra was very pleased with the end result.

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  10. As usual beautiful portrait. Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. thank you JOAN! I appreciate you stopping by and for your comment!! I hope you had a wonderful day!!

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  11. Dear Hilda, Ilike the shadows very much. It note the light come into the room and it iluminate her face and chest. Lovely portrait. Big hugs

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    1. thank you so much EVA!!! You're so sweet...I really appreciate your opinion!!! hugs!!!

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  12. Beautiful model. I would soften the highlights to better incorporate the shadows. Always stay true to your voice because you are the pastel PRO!

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    1. thank you SO much TRUDY for your comment..I really appreciate your opinion!!! Enjoy the rest of this beautiful day!!!

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  13. Nice Hilda. Dappled light is my favorite thing in the world, so I think you should leave it alone. It's lovely as-is!

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    1. Thank you so much KAREN for your comment! I do love dappled light as well! You've made my day..

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  14. It looks lovely to me!Dappled light is always a delight...you are so lucky to have such a pretty model willing to pose for you :)

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    1. You're so sweet, ARTI! thank you so much for that lovely comment!!

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  15. Dit ziet er zo geweldig uit mijn complimenten lieve groetjes Danielle

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    1. thank you DANIELLE for stopping by and for your beautiful comment! I appreciate it..hugs!

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  16. Ciao Hilda,
    Bello il ritratto di Sierra! Sembra un po' più grande dei suoi 14 anni, ma credo sia la concentrazione per la posa...sicuramente è un tipo deciso che sa che cosa vuole!
    Ciao, ciao, Floriana

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    1. thank you FLORIANA for taking the time out to comment on Sierra. She does appear to be a bit older than 14 and she loves to pose for pictures. Have a wonderful day!!

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  17. Dear Hilda, you have a gorgeous granddaughter!!
    The portrait is perfect! Innocence that hides behind the shadows of an anguishing attempt to pass over to adulthood-14 is difficult period and innocence is hard for an artist to ascribe. But you done a great job!!!
    Warm regards.

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    1. Thank you for that beautiful comment, KONSTANTINA! She is very pretty and such a sweet girl. I tried my best to portray her as the innocent girl she is... Enjoy the rest of the day!

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  18. Hilda don't youd are touch those shadows!! They add so much drama and interest. I love the contrast of their sharp shapes and values against her creamy complexion. She is beautiful, lucky you to have her for a grand daughter and a model!!

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    1. thank you for that wonderful comment, CRYSTAL.! I'm so glad you like this painting.. She's a great model...she even modeled in one of my art workshops given by Dan Slapo.

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  19. What a lucky granddaughter to have you painting such a lovely portrait of her, such a value ! The shadow is perfect and necessary, I think it is just perfect this way. xx

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    1. thank you so much JANE. I'm SO glad you like this portrait with the shadows...thank you for your opinion.

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  20. Love the unfussy colour scheme and splashes of dappled light. Very effective!

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    1. THANK YOU JERRY! I'm glad you like it. I value your opinion on this portrait...Enjoy the rest of the Evening!

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  21. thank you CAROL...you're so nice!! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting!!

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  22. this is a very beautiful pastel. you have captured beauty, personality and mood. perhaps the light could be softened a little - the flesh tones and hair texture is perfectly lovely.

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  23. THANK YOU SO MUCH, MYRA!!!! I appreciate your comment! I could soften it a bit!!

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  24. The first thing that I was drawn to were the patches of light playing around, that has made this portrait special, it is a beautiful work as always!

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    1. Thank you so much PADMAJA for that lovely comment! You're so nice!! Have a wonderful day!!

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  25. Hi Hilda, I'm always delighted by the beauty of your portraits. That one of Sierra is amazing, you have perfectly captured her personality and youth. Pls. leave the portrait as it is, with the all the shadows, is absolutely beautiful! Hugs.

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    1. Thank you TITO!!! I really appreciate your comment!!! I will leave it alone...
      Hugs!!

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  26. I think it is perfect just as it is! And without the shadows, the light wouldn't sing!
    Fabulous hair - and such a pretty model :0)

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    1. thank you for your amazing comment, SANDRA..you just made me very happy. Enjoy this beautiful day!

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  27. No tocaría nada, perdería su frescura, como tú lo has sentido en ese momento. Felicidades, un retrato precioso.

    Saludos

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    1. Gracias ROSA!!...Lo agradezco tu comentario..Lo voy dejarlo asi!!
      un abrazo

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  28. Hola Hilda. Otra magnífica obra tuya. Eres un genio!
    Me encanta esa mirada melancólica que tiene esa niña y que tan bien has sabido pintar. Te felicito!
    Por favor, no toques nada. está muy bien así.
    Un beso.

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    1. Gracias JOSH por tu muy amable comentario. Estoy contenta que ha gustado este retrato de mi nieta...Lo dejo asi!!

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  29. The splashes of soft sunlight on her face is what makes this painting unique, Hilda! IMHO I say keep it as is! :)

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    1. thank you so much DEAN!! I liked the sunlight on her face...but negative comments put that "doubt" in. Thank you again.. Enjoy your day!

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  30. Hilda this is perfect. The hair is amazing but so is the pureity and delicacy of the skin tones. Just lovely.

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    1. Thank you so much LAURA for your generous comment... I'm so happy you like it. !!

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  31. Un portrait merveilleux de beauté et de douceur.

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  32. I love the shadows so I say keep them. How great to have a willing model who is so pretty! Lovely job, Hilda!!

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    1. thank you SO much for your comment, JOAN. I "really" appreciate it!!!

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  33. Hello Hilda:) Well they didn't left anything for me to say :( But I love your portrait. Excellent work!

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    1. You made my day RENATE! Thank you for stopping by!

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  34. What a beauty! You always bring out the model's lovely features as well as heartfelt emotion!Wonderful Hilda!

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    1. thank you so much MARY for your wonderful comment..I appreciate it. Sierra is a terrific girl and model.... (love your latest painting of the grapes..!!!) Enjoy your day.

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  35. I think this is one of your best, Hilda - and I LOVE the shadows. They provide interest and dimension. And you filtered them through her hair so beautifuly! Bravo!

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    1. Hi Susan..what a nice comment! thank you so much.!!

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  36. Nooooo, don't omit the shadows! It adds significant interest. Of course it would have been excellent without it as well, but with it, the portrait is absolutely unique!

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    1. thank you MINNEMIE for that wonderful comment. I decided to leave the shadows in like all my friends here suggested. thank you again for those encouraging words!!

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  37. I like the sunlight....it is nice! Great portrait--superb mood!

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    1. thank you SO much CELESTE for stopping by and for your very generous comment! I appreciate it. Have a wonderful day.!

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  38. Oh, I LOVE the shadows. I've just been reading about light and shadow in portraits. I read that your values should go in this order. You did them beautifully, and they add to the story, putting the subject in a setting. Nicely done!

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  39. thank you SO much KATHERINE! I value your opinion!. Glad you stopped by to comment! Enjoy the rest of the day!!

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  40. it's beautiful Hilda - keep the shadows, they add character, how lovely to have such a willing model and to have a series of paintings of her showing her growing up too - this really is gorgeous!

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  41. You're so nice SHARON...thank you for that wonderful comment. I really appreciate you stopping by!!!

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  42. You are so fortunate to have such a beautiful granddaughter who loves to sit for you! This is absolutely lovely - I really like the pensive look on her face, and that gorgeous hair!!!

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    1. thank you so much CLAIRE for stopping by and for your nice comment. You never know how long it takes before the "teenager" doesn't want to model anymore, so we have to take advantage of the moment! LOL. I love her curly hair and in the light it brings out so many wonderful colors.!

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  43. Bella la modella, ma molto brava la pittrice!! un abbraccio...ciao

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    1. thank you GIANCARLO!! I'm so glad you like this painting! Thank you for stopping by!..ciao!!

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  44. This portrait is just wonderful. She looks sophisticated but still young. Lovely.
    Happy Painting.

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    1. thank you so much NORA for stopping by.!! I appreciate you taking the time out to comment.. Enjoy your day..!!

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  45. Hello dear Hilda, for me everything is perfect, light, shade, the colors you use and above all ... your granddaughter. Congratulations on this beautiful girl.
    A kiss and a hug.

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    1. Thank you!! I'm so glad you like this painting, CAROLINA!! It was a pleasure painting Sierra. Have a wonderful day! Hugs.

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  46. Hi Hilda! this portrait is beautiful! congrat! :)

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  47. thank you so much MARI for stopping by and for your comment ...I appreciate it!!!

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  48. Precioso!

    Tienes un gran talento...enhorabuena por tus trabajos ^^

    te sigo :)

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  49. Muchas gracias VERONICA! Lo agradezco tu comentario muy generoso!!

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  50. What a beautiful granddaughter you have, and an equally beautiful portrait of her.

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    1. thank you DIANA for such a beautiful comment!! I'm glad you like this portrait!!

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  51. Do NOT eliminate the shadows! She is just beautiful!

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    1. THANK YOU, KIM! I appreciate your comment!!

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  52. Hi there Hilda!... A magnificent and sensitive portrait which captures the "quiet... far away look" which teens often display... in a world which suddenly though exciting... seems daunting.

    I would look at the light at chest area. It is (in my own eye) distracting... and unnecessary to carry off great work in the rest of the portrait.

    Good Pastel-ling!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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    1. thank you so much BRUCE!!! I really appreciate your comment. My sister agrees with your opinion....Have a wonderful day....

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  53. Hilda, you've beautifully captured the thoughtful, introspective expression on her face. I'm sure this is one you'll treasure as the years go by...somewhere between a girl and a woman. I think the light reflections add another level of interest.

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    1. thank you so much CAROL!! You're so right..she definitely is that "line" between being a little girl and a woman...thank you for your comment...

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    1. thank you so much KAREN! I appreciate your kind comment. Enjoy this beautiful day!

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  55. Te ha quedado realmente precioso, me encanta el pelo, los tonos delicados y muy conseguidos y las sombras le dan más realismo.Enhorabuena,Besitos.

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    1. Gracias, CARMEN por tu comentario muy generoso. Es verdad que tiene el pelo precioso! gracias...y estoy muy contenta que te ha gustado este retrato! Un abrazo!!

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  56. Your granddaughter is beautiful, as is her portrait that you've painted.

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    1. thank you so much NANCY for your generous comment! I enjoyed painting Sierra...Enjoy the rest of the Evening!!

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  57. hallo liebe Hilda
    ich weiss nicht warum ich dieses Portrait verpasst habe.Das mädchen ist sehr sehr hübsch,und du hast sie sehr gut gemalt.Ein wunderbares Portrait!!!!Bravo Hilda!!!!!!
    you are great!!!-))))
    kisses
    Christa

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  58. Thank you SO much CHRISTA...you have made my day with your comment!!!

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  59. Holy Wowness Hilda..I am always bewildered by your talent! Stunning! it is wonderful to know you..truly beautiful art always! Every visit here is always one to treasure! Love the softness of her eyes..the beautiful fleshtones..and the light..gorgeous..and such a magnificent mane of hair!
    Victoria

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    1. thank you so much VICTORIA for that very generous comment!! I'm so happy you like this portrait. She was such a pleasure to paint!!!

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  60. What a beautiful portrait, Hilda! I'm sure your granddaughter will treasure this. Great job! I like the shadows.

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    1. thank you so much THERESA!! My granddaughter loves this painting...so of course, it will be hers to have. Your grandson is adorable and growing so beautifully!!

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  61. Hilda, your granddaughter is very very pretty...I can see why you love to paint her hair. Does she keep any of the portraits you do of her. I hope you have decided to keep the shadows. Shadows are hard to do and you did them so well.

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  62. thank you so much LISA!! You're so kind!! She loves all the portraits I do of her..thank goodness, since I have a few..LOL. The majority of my blogger friends agree.. for me to keep the shadows so I will leave them in. thank you for your opinion and for your comment.

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  63. Beautiful granddaughter and painting! I like the shadows a lot :) That's wonderful that she likes to pose for you!

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  64. thank you so much THERESA for your comment..I value your opinion. I am so grateful that she likes to pose for me! Have a wonderful day!!

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  65. Beautiful work Hilda...and beautiful model! I find the shadows add a certain depth and drama to your painting. DO NOT TOUCH! :)

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  66. thank you so much HELEN for your comment!! Sierra is such a wonderful model....and I won't be touching the shadows!!! thank you again.!

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  67. Muy bello retrato, no solo por la belleza de su nieta, sino, también por la cálida paleta que ha utilizado. Creo que es un trabajo redondo, no se si deba quitar o poner algo, eso solo lo puede hacer la intuición del artista.
    Saludo Afectuoso.

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  68. Gracias RUBEN por tu comentario..eras un placer para pintar mi nieta...y lo agradezco tu palabras. Un abrazo.

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  69. This is so beautiful! I love the glowing light in her. So soft and delicate...

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  70. thank you so much SUSAN for stopping by and commenting on Sierra. I appreciate it!!!

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  71. hilda...This highlights your artistic sensitivity, very beautiful : )

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  72. thank you so much SADEU...you just made my day!!
    I appreciate you stopping by.

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  73. Olá, Hilda!
    Agradecendo pela visita, e comentário de elogio ao meu blog...rss
    Para mim não deve omitir as sombras, na pintura...embora eu não entenda do assunto..rss
    E sua neta é linda, tem cabelos cacheados...muito fotogênica...
    Um abraço, volte sempre, a casa á sua..rs

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  74. Hilda, bom dia!
    Agradeço por mais uma visita..
    Vou terminar o enfeite de garrafas recicladas, e acho que vai gostar, sim...
    Tenha um excelente dia.

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  75. thank you NILCELI for stopping by and for your lovely comments. I appreciate it.

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