Figure
 

Oil 20x24"

I still want to blend the arms in particular better from light to dark. The background and windows were left as I did them the first sessions pretty much. I tried to fix a couple things Linda B. mentioned in the WIP section.

I wanted to experiment with leaving it loose perhaps in the background. It is not sucessful when I think of what I intended - which I am not sure I can explain.

Fire away with suggestions, it is not a commission, just some practice.

Close up

Does anyone think I need anything more in the upper dark area?

And yes, this is a shameless attempt to bring it back up to the top of the critique list to get comments;)

I seem to remember Linda B. giving comments shortly after you posted. I remember reading her comments regarding the symmetry and sameness of the two drapes in the background. I remember this because I was thinking the same thing. She also mentioned the "line" of shadow on her right arm (which seems to be better now). Maybe her comments got moved or deleted, don't know.

As for moi, I like the painting. I still have some issues with the two drapes hanging the way they do. Maybe a more lyrical sweep from top to bottom left could be tested.

Thanks Mike. Yes, Linda commented in WIP.

I changed the drapes, but very little - when she said the symmetry bothered her I overlapped them a tiny bit. Seeing that they still bother you I think I need to change more. I like the idea you mentioned and will try that.

I sometimes get too stuck on what the photo shows and do not deviate. Why is that I wonder? There is a certain amount of fear regarding messing with something that is 'almost' right - will I make it worse? Can I get it back if I change it? Silly, btu true.

Kim, I have come back to this several times. I can't pinpoint what it is that is bothering me, but I do know that it is the drapes. I'm not sure if it is the shape of the drapes or the color. I'm leaning towards the color. The color of the drapes seem to fight, in my opinion, the color of the cloth around your figure.

Here's a quicky test I did trying to simplify the shapes and soften the colors.

Thank you Mike ever so much - I like that a lot better and will do those changed today.

I agree!

Thank you Kim,

I would point out that these background elements don't have to be all that literal. In fact, and maybe especially for this painting, I think it's better that they only be suggestions of light, shape and color.