Sometimes the sitter will not accept your impression of him or her for reasons that have nothing to do with the accuracy of your rendering. Take heart, 'cos a portrait painting is a search not only for accuracy but also for that intangible look that reveals the person. I was happy with my oil sketch of Carolyn with her great hair. Like Sargent before me, I chose not to blend the strokes, but to lap them value against value. A great training lesson for moi.
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