Portrait Critique on background

[Renee Brown]

Dear Chris, Karin, and Paul, I have eight of my portrait samples done for my upcoming monthly rotating shows in 2002,( in addition to three commissions in progress) and originally the portrait I posted here was intended to be in that show. You know I submitted it because I wasn't happy with it. Well, after you all generously critiqued it, I redid the background, changed the flesh colors and made the flowers more delicate ( less is more). Then, I pulled the canvas off the stretchers and cropped and restretched it. So, Karin, cropping was your suggestion, and I thank you for that. Chris, I added cool colors in the shadows and it made a big difference and Paul, I took your suggestions about photography and lighting as well. So, here is the finished product. Not perfect but much improved and at least it will make it into the show. Thank you to all of you. This forum is terrific.

Renee