Steve,
Just to let you know, I am still working on analyzing your many astute observations.
Thank you for giving your time, skill, and attention to this.
Sandra

Oh, yes, and Sharon, I still would have her leaning into the fainting couch... Marianne was nervous when we sat down, so I told her to relax a bit while I mixed colors (Daniel Greene's method). She started chatting about her nieces and nephews (love of her life, since she is unmarried) and when I looked up, there she was, head on her hand, eyes sparkling... I asked her if she could be comfortable like that for 15-20 periods and she said she could.

Later I had the calla lillie idea. They were part of her decor and I thought they would fill out all that space.....

Sandra

Sandra,

I'm so glad you posted this painting. It is so rich in color and texture, and you've managed to capture your friend in a way that not only tells the viewer about her, it also makes a memorable image.

I want to address the issue of wanting to fill up the canvas, or, putting it another way, worrying that there is too much empty space. You've got so much going on between your very striking subject, sparkling objects and jewelry, colors and lively background, that you don't need to worry about leaving "empty" space. In this painting I am speaking specifically about the calla lilies. I think there are too many, and they are all in similar groupings. You could probably get by with the one group to the left towards the back, eliminating the other two. I like Sharon's suggestion of changing her hand and putting a scarf in it or something. (This would also give you the opportunity to try a more natural hand position.) I find the lilies in the foreground annoying because they block my view of Marianne.

Empty space can be good! It can be strong! Don't doubt its power! Being selective about what you put in will focus the attention on the figure.

Alex

Alexandra, you and I have something in common.... our name. Alexandra is the feminine version of Alexander, after "Alexander the Great," (Greek). Sandra is the An

Hi there!

I don't realy have much to add to the discussion. I just wanted to mention that I found the portrait striking, as others have said, and I am finding the discussion of hands, posing, and empty space to be valuable and interesting.

Also, in the way of names, I noticed your last name "Quintus." Quintus is a Roman man or boy's name, in use during ancient Rome when Latin was being spoken. I have no idea how directly this would be related to your last name, but I thought it was interesting considering your comment above.

I can't remember the meaning of Quintus, but I'll ask my Latin teacher again and report back. :)

Nice work and I would be interested to see any experiments that you do with this composition!

Hi Sandra (and Lacey),

I did know about the Latin meaning--I've always heard Alexandra means "helper of mankind" as a variation on the meaning of Alexander. And Quintus--isn't that "the fifth" as in quintuplets? So maybe you, Sandra, are the fifth helper of mankind?