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!

Delicious.

Turn out great there my friend :D

Long time no see...like me =) Love the colors

thats awsome cats! i would draw one too but my mouse is a bitch.

Dating Murdoc,I see. Great job

hello world

why thank you mr. ball, mr. ruiters, and suntan.

moosh gave me a heart. jealous? i would be. :)

what? not enough or something? here then! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3!
;]

i like this.. good to see your art again

Looks like Enrique Iglesias, I hope it's not because his singing really annoys me. And to top it all off he's going out with Anna Kournikova, One of my childhood crushes. I've wasted some jizz on her, let me tell ya.

great!

Yeah that is so weird you don't have any comments! This is beautiful. I love how shiney the skin is and the texture. Its really really beautiful.

I can totally see this being a real person. The skin is really pretty, glad you had fun making it shiny cause it looks good.

She is very pretty and I love her ring :)

Glad you came back. I love your drawings

I looove the angle!

This is an intriguing picture :D very beautiful.