I've been meaning to comment on this since I saw it some time after you first posted it, didn't do it just then and since have been too lazy to go looking for it when I was here, which isn't often anymore. Just now as it came up in the Showcase thumbnail strip I realized if I didn't do it now, I might never. You know I've always hated you because I'm so jealous of your talent, and loved you because you're so very real, which is rare. (and because you always inspired me to strive to do better)
This, I believe, is one of your best paintings, because as a self-portrait I see in that expression the Staci I think I've come to know and love/hate here. ;) Along with being absolutely perfect realism, you've done the impossible "capture the expression" thing... something that almost NEVER happens in a portrait. There's depth in those eyes, something fascinating behind them. Some people see that in the Mona Lisa and say that's why it's so upheld. (One major difference there is that I think she's ugly and you're beautiful, so... ONEUP on that one for sure... hah)

I've looked at this a lot of times and been blown away every time. I just now realized what I like about it most, the way you slightly exaggerated the things a camera does when the shot is a little overexposed and the flash is causing it. How the light shows the details in the skin in a way normal vision would never pick up on. And the corona of color around the iris. And the way the hues of the skin tones are uniformly off. It's a great painting of a 'bad' photograph. That and the killer cupid's bow mouth.

yes! you totally get it. this is a HORRIBLE picture, horrible. Bags, blotchy skin and all. if I had a zit that day I would have drawn it in as well. thanks!

How'd I miss this? I've been sitting here looking at it now for about half an hour. I wish it was bigger. I've gone through about four stages of thinking I understood the image...keep changing my mind. The death mask of the dying heart is terrifying. Powerful image and so beautifully rendered. That ribcage and foreshortened elbow are so lovely. I'm getting the same sense of horror from this that I felt during some of Jack Nicholson's mad scenes in The Shining.

dang, christ.

This needs to be on the welcome page again too

despite that the subject is a nude-beast, of sorts, it is a remarkable painting and shows your ability albeit accomplished in 9 hours

Tell Bob it's time to draw, don't you think? Merry Christmas.

He's resting on his laurels. And as far as they go, they're fine ones. Personally, though, I hope he starts finding those laurels kind of itchy and uncomfortable soon.

Your'e saying that like it's a bad thing.

Now, THAT made me laugh out loud.

Marion, I can't believe I've never seen any of your work before (except for the collab you did with Roytje! I'm very impressed and hope to see lots more of it. I just looked at all the pictures in your gallery. What a treat.

Thank you!

The hair is wonderful, and the structure of her face is so real!

Very well-drawn. Is it anybody?

I think this is my favourite of all your portraits so far. I just love the expression. You've done beautiful work here. I've said it before and I'll say it again...what is it about The Netherlands that produces so many wonderful artists?

You've got your labels for "stupid" and "smart" backwards.

Yes, I agree with artsy...your labels are backwards :)

Cute idea though!

I'd have guessed the pink (O!) would have been reserved for the Left side by most right-wing estimations.

Looks just like my girl, Cleo.

Dawwww!..so friggin' cute!

This is actually my dog Buddy, isn't it!! He's a German Shorthaired Pointer..same markings.

forgot about this one

awesome

roy just keeps getting better and better

Glad this placed, it's wonderful!!

Yup, there is a bezier tool, and so much better than the one you can use on shi.
Thanks for the comments, it was a fun contest.

It's fun and addictive and expensive, too. The glass and supplies cost quite a lot but you don't need a huge outlay of cash to get started. You should do it! I used to teach classes in stained glass. We made lamps and lidded/hinged boxes in the classes using the Tiffany copper foil method.

Yep..that is me. Mscaptain from NDA. I love it there too...Thanks:)

I keep coming back to look at this. It reminds me of something but I can't figure out what. Have you ever seen any of those really gorgeous old handpainted porcelain tiles, like from the Victorian era? I can see this as a tile or even a mosaic or stained glass piece. Lovely.

Thank you so much...I have seen those before..they are very beautiful..