I think it looks real nice, Alan. I think the background works well as is.

I'm amazed at how much the addition of a frame can impact how you feel about a painting and how they can influence your decisions on many levels. I think that ideally you should frame them about three quarters of the way into the painting.

Something that's this personal you just don't want to let the process end.

You are right Mike, I don't want the process to end, it never crossed my mind.
I believe that we only paints one painting in our lives, distributed on several canvases. The process never ends, luckily.

This portrait has a wider background than I use to do. I did that because I often feel that the frame 'strangles' the painting a bit if there is not enough space around the face.

I remember reading that De Laszlo always had the frame on when he painted.

Cynthia,
thanks for your kind approval.

Well, you know me, I had to do something. ;)

My wife grew up by the sea in Norway.

Someone take this painting away from Allan! :)

Allan, I had to laugh when I saw you are still at it. Every time I get used to seeing the painting in one way you surprise us with something else. These are the pitfalls of having a painter in the house. What does you wife think of the new background?

I like how you are relating your wife's ancestry to the background, but I thought the way you had it before was pretty awesome as well. It is interesting to see how the different colors in the background effect the colors in her face and the overall feel of the painting.

Enzie,
I kind of liked it too, the way it was, so maybe I will change it back. ;)

Seriously, I think that the new colors set off the skin colors more than the former background did.
My wife like the background, she say that it is "her colors". I knew that before and think that it may be the reason why I took the decision to change the background. And then it tells a story.

Allan, it's beautiful. It looks complete, now.

Don't touch.

Allan, I never would have thought to do this, but now she looks like the Good Witch of the Sea. There's an added dimension to her, a kind of power or spirit, that wasn't in its element before. Okay, you can call me crazy!

Thanks, Cindy, I won't

Alex,
I felt that the former background was too neutral. She is never neutral, she possess a strong spirit.
I would never call you crazy, I don't even think that you are ;)