Awaiting - background help needed

[Chris Saper]

Dear Kim,

I thought I would make a few observations, mainly dealing with your focal point. I am not sure what you were wanting to achieve, but I think that this painting is more a portrait of a tummy than of a pregnant woman, and I think has happened for several very specific reasons.

Elements that work to create a focal point include strong contrast, strong color, and sharp edges. All three are more strongly at play with the outside edge of the belly, much more so than the face. The light is also stronger on the belly than the face which further underscores the tummy as the focal point.

The strong vertical post is an element that diminshes the composition, in my opinion. It actually acts as an arrow, literally pointing the viewer toward the tummy as focal point.

Fortunately, all of these things would be easy to modify if you chose to do so. You have done a good job with the fabric and figure, and I think that the background foliage is a successful choice. I think that that the mood (especially as I cover the tummy and post) is also very successfully conveyed.

Last, you might want to check your values in the reflected light on the top of the shoulder and the right edges of the arm and back.