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Alexandra Tyng · 02-27-2006, 01:20 PM

Hi Olena,

There is such a wonderful feeling in this portrait. The foliage has an abundant, lush, slightly wild look that goes with the romantic aura of the woman. You're really created a mood here. Very intriguing, and it hints at a story, so it crosses the line into figurative art which I like, also. I love the big, expressive brushstrokes and the colors!

I agree with Allan that the values in the shade (including the figure) need to hang together. The dress and skin could be lighter and warmer than what Alan has created in Photoshop (no offense, Allan) and still work. As it is now, the dress to our right is as light as the foliage, yet it has no feeling of light. The rest of the dress is too light, especially against the wall near the bottom, but it doesn't have enough feeling of shadow. Same with her chest. In other words, you are sending an ambivalent signal. To make this area recede into the shadow yet not make it too dark or cool, try adding some yellow-orange tones into the pink of her dress, etc., mixed with a very small amount of cool color. If you let the warm color predominate it will give life to the shadows.

I also want to mention the grin and teeth. To me, this is not subtle enough. I think maybe a slight smile might make us wonder what she is thinking.

02-27-2006, 01:20 PM	#10
Alexandra Tyng UNVEILINGS MODERATOR Juried Member Joined: May 2005 Location: Narberth, PA Posts: 2,485	Value massing Hi Olena, There is such a wonderful feeling in this portrait. The foliage has an abundant, lush, slightly wild look that goes with the romantic aura of the woman. You're really created a mood here. Very intriguing, and it hints at a story, so it crosses the line into figurative art which I like, also. I love the big, expressive brushstrokes and the colors! I agree with Allan that the values in the shade (including the figure) need to hang together. The dress and skin could be lighter and warmer than what Alan has created in Photoshop (no offense, Allan) and still work. As it is now, the dress to our right is as light as the foliage, yet it has no feeling of light. The rest of the dress is too light, especially against the wall near the bottom, but it doesn't have enough feeling of shadow. Same with her chest. In other words, you are sending an ambivalent signal. To make this area recede into the shadow yet not make it too dark or cool, try adding some yellow-orange tones into the pink of her dress, etc., mixed with a very small amount of cool color. If you let the warm color predominate it will give life to the shadows. I also want to mention the grin and teeth. To me, this is not subtle enough. I think maybe a slight smile might make us wonder what she is thinking.