I have to use these colors - but I don't like them - plz help

[Linda Brandon]

Hi Ant,

Here's what I was thinking... there is a lot of fabric draping around in this painting. I'm wondering if you can soften or even turn those drapery folds in the background into abstact shapes? Harley Brown does this frequently in his brightly hued paintings.

I know you were asking for color help, but my gut reaction to this painting (besides greying down the color and softening the edges furthest from the face) was to eliminate some of those folds in the background.

[Jen Reinstadler]

I've shipped things wet more than once, and I hate coming up with packing solutions. Can you elaborate just a bit on your method? How is the frame held together? What is that last transparent layer? How much did it cost to put together?

[Ant Carlos]

Thank you.
I took all your advices.
Some things are not easy to change at this point, because I work in layers and there's transparency everywhere. Basically I tried to balance the colors as much as I could. I changed the background, got rid of that closer fold and showed more of the blue circle with white stars of the Brazilian flag. I also added a kind of fantasy backlight (behind the head) trying to lead the attention of the eyes to that point of the picture. Linda suggested an abstract background, but the national flag was a request. The super detailed medal was a request as well, so I had to keep my usual sharp edges there.
This picture is supposed to illustrate the career of that athlete, or at least that very special moment when she was representing her country. This was clearly a goal since my very first contact with the husband client.
Well, like I said, maybe I should have started a new one. I would if I had time. I'll take this experience and try better next time. The most important is that I showed these changes and my client is even more satisfied. If I don't really like this work, is another history.

Jen, that transparent layer in the packing is an acrylic board (to protect the front of the canvas). That painting was shipped wet, unframed, and crossed the Atlantic without any problem. I'll post more details on that for you soon.

Take care, thank you all again.

Ant