u/Emotional_Position99

Hi dear internet strangers!
Last time I posted here, you were all really kind, so thank you again for your support and feedback!
This is my most recent painting. I did try using gesso, as many of you suggested, and it was amazing. However, this time I wanted the effect of gold leaf + visible canvas texture under, so I used molding paste on the smoother areas and raised sections, while leaving some patches rough.
Any feedback is appreciated. I consider it “done” but it’s a very special subject for me (we saw this exact bear on a family trip, and I used my own photos as reference), so if it sucks, I might try again.
The final piece is intended as a gift for my parents so it has to be the least embarrassing it can be.

What do you guys think? I started painting not long ago and I am trying to improve but it still is a “whatever feels good” technique and I don’t really know yet what I’m doing. Any feedback is appreciated, just please be kind, ty <3