Mary Adams 02 May 2012

I like it nice balance

Gail Caduff-Nash 03 May 2012

It's a good painting. I'd ask myself if I wanted to move some of that red into the woman/dress, or to take some of the complementary tones and do a wash over some of the dress. Currently it's red & white basically - and black/gray. The painting in the top corner is almost too interesting to have in it without it stealing attention. I like all the texture. The dress looks like it's made of feathers. Which is fine. The skin tones are awkward - nearly white, not a lot of shadow tone and her face could use a touch of rouge ;)

Ritma Grizane 04 May 2012

Thank You Gail, for Your elaborate comment!

I also was thinking of adding some red to the dress and maybe skin, as now it looks a bit unrelated to the room itself... however I like the "unreal" touch to the woman- as if she is from a different world:)

I see what You say about the painting in the corner- it bothers me too, but I'm not sure what to do- as it would look empty if I would take it out....

Gail Caduff-Nash 04 May 2012

You could replace it with something that doesn't take the viewer OUT of the painting - a smaller painting, something oval, there's 'rules' about either not causing a claustrophobic feeling in a painting but also not pushing the viewer right out (a window) but keeping the eye moving toward the subject. Less subtle painters like myself use arrow shaped things to literally point to the subject. The V of the picture frame almost does that but the picture in it is like a window with a scene that draws the eye. Just suggestions, Ritma.

Ritma Grizane 06 May 2012

Thank You, Gail! I really appreciate your comment- will keep it in mind:)

Ann 08 May 2012

Hi Ritma, I agree with Gail that a touch of red in the dress would help the drab colours.

I hope you don't mind, I made a couple of changes (I'm not good at photo manips lol) in my simple photo program. I put white lines where your edges need straightening and sharpening except for the one where the wall and carpet should meet behind the sofa and end table on both sides. Ann

Ritma Grizane 09 May 2012

wow, Ann, the smaller painting looks brilliant! I'm so impressed!!! I would never come to it on my own.

Thanks to everyone. Unfortunately I would not be able do last changes to this picture, as I gave the portrait away already.

However, your comments made me look different at doing changes to paintings...

I must say, I'm afraid to spoil the painting and often leave it as is.... need more courage to become a good artist:)

PS. Ann, Your photo editing is great!

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