[Chris Saper]

Hi Jean,

A lot can happen during a week of vacation...sorry I missed the beginning of this thread. As always, I find Michele's observations to be on target. I have just a few things to add that you might consider.

The light and shadows aren't reading cohesively to me (at my monitor). I think the main reason is the fact that Gypsy has been interjected into the composition with an entirely different light direction - flash - and the source is completely devoid of a light and shadow pattern that should characterize the whole surface. It's compounded because Gypsy's placement would result in casting a shadow on the boy's hands and lower body. As it stands, they are now brightly lit.

In the shadow areas of both Chris & son's faces, you might want to look at your painting to see that edges and contrast (for example, Chris's eyebrow in shadow) are diminished, in order for them to stay firmly in the shadow. Re-check the values in the shadow side of the boy's nasal-labial fold - they look dark from here.

You are doing well on a complicated composition, good for you for stretching!