Scrooge!
 

I have wavered making a comment on this obviously charming reference photo.

In my opinion a simpler garment in a complementary color to her hair, something in a mauve or periwinkle would be more efficacious. I find the busy white ruffle detracts from her lovely cascade of curls.
This portrait needs a color accent of some kind to work.

Hello Sharon,

Oh bah humbug!

By wavering ( I believe it was said by the Grandfather in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" )

"Had your chance..........muffed it!"

I already presented a reccommendation for the composition and the mother approved it so I have started the portrait as you see it.

I am only playing with you based on your title. I do not have any hard feelings about your comment. On the contrary, you made some valid points in your comment and I will tuck the information away to be used for my next commission (the optimist in me) and chalk this one up as a learning experience.

I think, based on the reaction I am getting, that painting it as is will still be lovely but I liked what you had to say. In my defense (there I go again, Marvin) prior to the photo session, I reccommended a blue shirt or dress with this background but the mother insisted on the white shirt with ruffles. We looked at other background choices and this was the best one by far considering where the portrait will be hung in her home. I didn't find the white too bad, but I did not think of the ruffles. Good thing they are not too large.

Thank you for adding to my list of things to think about for next time though.

Janel,

It will still be lovely!

My mother said I never listened to her. That is probably why I rarely listen to other mothers when they want to add their two cents to my paintings.

Good point.