Oh Alex this came out just lovely!

I can hear the music coming from those delicate fingers!

She must have been trilled, as you must be too!

:thumbsup: Beth

Oh, Kim, you have inspired me equally! Thank you. That reminds me--congratulations on your Charity getting into the OPA show!

Talk about BIG--what about that huge portrait head you just recently finished?

Whoops, Beth, I'm sorry I didn't see your post. Thanks for being able to "hear" the music. I listened to hours of her practicing while working on the drawings and color sketch, and it was really an auditory and visual treat. Do you ever feel anxious that you will be able to capture something as you are working on a painting? I get anxious, kind of a nervous energy, and it spurs me on. In this case there was this incredible sound of the harp reverberating in their large living room. As someone mentioned in the WIP, the sound was even in the colors and pattern of the wallpaper. I think there is a fancy word for that blending of the senes, but I can't think of it.

Alexandra, just beautiful. I would so love to see this in person - to learn.

-David

Gorgeous Alex!
Beautiful in every detail, I like your edges, value control, composition and colors.
And Yeah! I can hear the sound of the music!

How wonderful that I got to see this again on Valentine's Day! It literally makes my heart pound. I feel there is a lot of tension, as she is in the middle of playing and I am anticipating the sound. There is so much movement and so much lovely color, it is an exciting painting. :thumbsup:

I could likely do the math myself, maybe I am just lazy... would you mind giving me in idea of how big the head is in this painting? Or the hands? I love those close-ups too... I never would have guessed some of the colors that I see up close from afar.

Bonfim, glad you hear the music, too. Thanks, I'm glad you approve of all the different aspects--edges, values, etc. The color started with the pink dress and the rest fell into place when I saw the room where she practiced. I knew I had the elements to make it work together.

Valentine's Day! Happy Valentine's Day, Lacey, and everyone! It was just a coincidence; actually I posted this last night pretty late. Maybe anticipation of sound is even better than sound. Like the foot in the "up" position has potential energy. Her head size is 7 1/4"

I've seen this painting and Cynthia is right, it is a knockout. Congratulations, Alex! That dress looks particularly fine.

A big harp is a surprisingly gutsy instrument, by the way, it shudders when you strum and has a real presence (I used to take harp lessons, briefly and badly, alas). You've done a beautiful job showing the concentration in her face.

Gorgeous, wonderful, lovely, inspiring. All the above and aforementioned. It was doubly great to see it unfold. Thanks a ton, Alex. Janet

Thank you, ! if this inspires you to get to work, well, that is great. We all need to get off the computer and get to work, including myself.

Linda, thank you so much for saying those lovely things about the painting in real life! That was a fun afternoon hanging out with Garth in the studio. I forgot that you mentioned having played the harp. My daughter also played for about 6 or 7 years but we could never afford one of those big ones, so she kind of stagnated on the Celtic harp and eventually gave it up. I miss hearing it in our house. It has such a sweet, full sound. I bet you played better than you are letting on. ;)

Janet, I really appreciated your support during the WIP and now--thanks a bunch! I can't get over how impressive your portrait looks.