Real cute kid portrait......they all get that look from time to time. I like the background, but I think the border being completely white gives the picture a slightly washed out effect. I like the softness of the colors. I believe that a very light color border would tie the whole thing together.

this is very good and expressive. i did not notice the background at all, which is probably a good thing, it is not detracting from the portrait, which fills most of the frame anyway, so in this case i would say leave it as it is.

aww, little mr grumpy, lol..Really kule and expressionate image, the background is good to me, its just a matter of experimentation

i agree, the background seems to work here, wouldn't change it. this is a wicked expression you have created. great!

Love the expression. Perhaps you could fiddle with the background's shade a bit, though, so that he doesn't fade into it as much. Also, something bothers me about the right side of his face. Maybe it's that you can't see the eye, or maybe it's the cheek, I'm not sure.

okay, that is embarassing - I spent so long doing that flipping picture and I only just noticed when you said that I've forgotten to paint one of his eyes. I'd marked where I wanted it (should be just visible under the fringe). I think you are right about the cheek as well. I've gone a bit overboard trying to show the light coming from the left & I think it's a bit strong on the left hand side of his mouth so it's making a weird shape. Why do I never notice these things before posting? Thanks for your comments so far - feel free to be as constructively critical as you want, I'm trying to learn here :-)

i personally love this background!! .. you could try white or black as well but the grey works fine !! What an excellent work you have done her love the stubborn expression and mood !! so cute and funny !! WONDERFUL! ***** !!!

a pure marvel both the model and the outcome. a masterpiece

Love his expression :)