Tea, my dear?

[EDIT - Updated for print version 24/06/11]

What better way to celebrate a wonderful pastime!
I love to partake in afternoon cream teas, as does my friend here...

I wanted to get across the idea that she was sat in a teashoppe, opposite her conversation partner. The partner can't help but be captivated by her stare....

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Fully digital painting, no photomanip etc. Done in PS7 from scratch. I looked at a photograph ref to get the shape of the eyes correct, thats about it.

Technically I guess the picture could have been better, I'm not sure about the overall contrast but I'm so used to producing dark and moody pieces that I'm probably just a little unsure because it is slightly off-style. I guess pieces can be light and moody too

I was mainly practising portrait style technical details. Think I'm getting there (wherever there is). Oh, that tea looks so delicious... I also apologise for the watermark, I had to put it right across the middle I'm afraid :/
Can't really make this part of gf series, its not quite in with the feel of the other pieces. I'll see what I can do I may have a tutorial lurking for this one, anyone interested?

Hope you guys like!