Artist Reply: Thanks Greg! She was fussing at me not to take photos for a painting reference. She didn't have her hair fixed, or make up on, etc. I told just hold the pose I had spotted her in and that when I paint, I can paint her as if her hair was fixed, had make up on. It's easiy than painting her with flaws anyways. I had more trouble figuring out how to paint earrings than her skin tones. Plus, if I am familar, as I am with her face asI'm her mom, I know what she looks like very well. This is the first one I painted when I upgraded my Corel Painter. It finally let me do fine details, such as eyelashes as I wanted. This one was sketched, then I digitally painted it with the art software. I didn't use a auto paint type feature or manipulate the photos used for reference. I enjoy working on a painting until I get it the way I imaged it. I Printed it out on canvas on my new computer, it came out fantastic! I work really had to make sure there aren't pixelation or noise that you get with digital. I hate if there is any, but have figured out the resolution and sizes now to advoid it. I love the soft look, like this one, so often spend hours blending the brush strokes out to look as this one does. I think it gives it a truer fine oil look. Thanks Greg!

Artist Reply: Thank you my friend! I had finally decided to sit and learn to use the Painter IX program instead of letting it scare me off. I had gotten so comfortable with the old predicessor, Painter Classic. IX lets me do the details I could not befroe, so I am going nuts with it now. Even going back to improve older works. Such a difference! I learn something every time I use it and other programs. I'm so ADHD right now, with so many programs and effects, brushes, and tools, I have to set some time limes and rules. My daughter thinks she is a Queen, and it shows. LOL! Cherish yourself, as you deserve it as well!

Artist Reply: Thank you Maddison! She does, I couldn't even do half her lashes in this, she has so many, they'd look fake. She was pleased with this portrait and posed for some others I'm just starting to work on.