Well if they are anything like the RA then don't worry, some of the best painters get refused while they show trash, literally!!!
They look very good to me and show a good understanding of the mood. The only thing I would of altered, would of been to make sure all of her right arm was in the picture.
I DID THIS FOR A SHOW CALLED THE BLUES: THE COLOR AND THE MOOD.. AT THE WOODSTOCK ARTISTS ASSOCIATION I WAS TRYING TO USE THE COLOR AND THE MOOD BOTH.. MAYBE SHE LOOKS WORSE THAN BLUE.. WHAT DO U THINK OF THIS PAINTING.. WHEN I PICKED IT UP A GIRL WORKING AT THE GALLERY SAID SHE THOUGHT I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN IN