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!

wow! this is awsome and it looks very tasty!

*rams iinto screen* I CAN SMELLL IT!!!!!

dang. its really awesome that the highlight is pink. miss you.

this is really pretty, i love it!!! i wish i cud draw that gd

Thank you....you can do anything you want to do if you want it badly enough (don't quote me on that and try jumping off of 30 story buildings or anything, you know what I mean :)

dang. miss you girl.

Cindy said it the best. Just a treat to see.

this is cooler than some kind of thing that has five things and only four of them are cool and the other one is just regular.
girls are different than boys.

dang :( miss you.

This is PRETTY. :) lmao at the last few comments

Thanks DBA. Glad to see you're still around.

picture: dang-o-licious.
comments: dang.

eek <3

This picture really is thought provoking. When I first saw it it struck me as being very cool but didn't really understand the story it was trying to tell until I just stared at for a few minutes to absorb everything. I THINK I know what it's supposed to mean but it probably is one of those that means something different to whoever looks at it. Every little part has some meaning. Very cool and wonderfully drawn.

dang. know-what-i-mean?

this is beautiful

beautiful Dave

jthanks!@

Native american indians are very nice, I especially like the peaceful and nature protecting tribes. He looks very beautiful. <:)
|XOD|

what everyone else has said... *admires*

very beautiful. :)

She is stunning!!!! Jillj

She is stunning! Wonderfully drawn and great details!:))

WONDER WOMAN!!!

Simple, yet beautiful....Simply beautiful. Makes me think of the mesquite trees here in Texas, they never bud out before the last hard freeze - It's how you know for sure winter is over here. :)

Axil you blow us away;one hour and 19 minutes is all? yeah, insanely good. He just drops pearls and large diamonds on us, like they were nothing. Hmm..the true artist knows when to stop, and not overdo.

luminous..