Reality Check

The topmost picture is of a painting I recently completed, and the one below is the digital picture I based my painting upon. I used acrylic paint on canvas after drawing the basic forms. The canvas is only about 11 by 14 inches, which lead to some sacrifices in the background details; I decided that there was so much detail in the foreground that minute details in the background would be superfluous. I am happy with how realistic the jackets turned out, and especially happy that, although not completely lifelike, the faces look rather like in the picture. This being one of my first acrylic paintings, I am excited with the result and have learned important lessons for my next paintings, such as using many different shades on faces and not being afraid of the darkest and the lightest ones because, out-of-place as they may look on the palette, they may be just what is needed for a more realistic look.
Tinny