A balanced likeness
This way gains
But quietly loses
Drag the dial. Every real portrait sits somewhere on this line — and choosing where is one of the most subjective decisions an artist makes.
◀ FlatteringHonest / unflinching ▶
Slide right and the lines, the weariness and the honest set of the mouth come in; slide left and everything softens into charm. Look for the spot where it still looks like them — and finally feels like them.