Framed Portrait of Dr. Cheryl Welch

Portrait of Dr. Cheryl Welch 
June 7, 1965 - February 23, 2011

In loving memory this painting was Commissioned by Maria Giuliano

Here is the finished portrait, up for evaluation for anyone to critic or comment.

I hope you enjoyed watching the steps in progression.  I have only done a handful of portraits in the past.  I loved the challenge, hoping you love the results.   

Though I never had the chance to meet Cheryl I have heard beautiful compliments about her by my cousin Maria.  I hope my painting is an extra addition to the forever lasting memories of her kind and playful soul.   As she lives on in the hearts of her many loved ones brightly surrounded in peace, in comfort, in oneness.
 I think in the completion of her portrait, a beautiful, strong woman, this concludes how portrait art is an expression and representation of caring, loving, hope and foremost cherishing the moments and joyous memories we have with each other.
A special thanks to my cousin, Maria, for giving me the opportunity and All the support needed to create this painting.  For all of her heart was into her idea and  I was able to absorb that along with her enthusiasm and dedication to the importance of having a painted portrait of her friend Cheryl. 

All of my love,

Laura Fiorillo

Progression of Layer 8

This layer I danced the paintbrush around the painting, hoping to make some overall  improvements; touch ups on her face, a second layer on the white coat and Elmo, more highlights in the hair.  Once I complete the hand and bird feet, the rest is adding further contrast here and there and possibly taking out some clouds to soften the background before adding the "rainbow bridge" .  Then the painting will for the most part be completed and evaluated for any improvements to made.

Starting to Layer Elmo

I Started to paint Elmo,  this is the first layer of him, I thought I would show his progression also. He adds more color and balance to the portrait, and some colors will get reflection into the white coat. So I will be working on Elmo's feathering, a touch of color in her coat and I can add the bird shadow and the embroidered "Welch" on the coat, adjust and shade her hand, highlights on her hair, her face and a few corrections and soften coming in the next 2 layers.

layer 7 upclose

Portrait progression Layer 7

Here is Layer 7, about 3-4 more layers to come, a bit of re-shaping her face, soften areas and accentuating some areas are still needed.  I am going to start on Elmo (the bird) also in the next 3 layers. 

Progression of Layer 6

Still working on this layer, focusing on eyes and then I will continue with her smile.

Progression of Layer 5 portrait

                                                         Continuation of Portrait , layering features No. 5