The lighter background is working much better. It does make you wonder though how Caravaggio got away with placing his figures into those dark backgrounds, doesn't it?
Janel, post your reference so that we can help you point out some of the things that need to get fixed. Something is off with the arm that is raised. What an angle!
By the way I love the bottom part of the painting. She sort of fades into it, which I think looks great.
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