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!

Please come back.

Thanks.

Looks like the big white cloud is hungry and wants to eat the rose. Excellent drawing.

wow I never saw this one. It's so moving! I love everything about it.

This is one of my favorite pictures at 2draw.

This may be my favourite of yours. Great stuff.

yes, it's one of my personal favorites also..a belated thank you!..it's good to read all these comments after such a while..:)

So expressive..

great eyes, great style

what Klox said

hmm...maybe i should put some teeth and whiskers on it?...lol..if you turn her around you could see a beaver ..or maybe a half a rabbit..think about it...

haha..try it, would be cute and..we'd have a twofer :)

"LOL"!!! That song is soooo funny......I don't think I've ever heard that one before. :D

I just went to listen to your link Axil, and it said it was removed due to terms of use violation... hmmph

I noticed that too. So I replaced it with another one.

she really is great... this is my favorite by her : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGwDYBWEDSc

Very creative mooshy

Cool. Good colors :)

The colours are very cool...nicely done

Great finish!
edit:
I had to add more, lol. I really can't believe all the detail you put into this, because, seriously, if I tried to do that, I would kill myself. Detail is not my forte, lol.

This really grabbed my eye with all those colors and interesting details...I found myself studying every little nook and cranny! This deserves to be framed! (I'd gladly store it here on my wall for you too =)