Let them eat pasta

[Julie Deane]

Mike, you are too funny! But's it's not the pasta that I bet is the draw - I bet it 's your sense of humor.

[Jean Kelly]

Okay Mike, do you really need a critique on these? You are obviously having fun with your new toy. How about her leaning against the clock (with her back on the pedestal) and her head turned to the camera? That way there is interaction with the clock and the viewer. And let her wear red!

Victoria as "the Afghan Girl" lacks the haunted quality that the original had. She's too healthy (and "well fed"). But her eyes are just beautiful in that shot.

[Mike McCarty]

Jean,

I like your idea regarding the clock. In the one above I was trying to show the "waiting" or "anticipation" look, someone is supposed to be there and their late. If I get another chance I'll try your idea. Painting that clock would be no picnic. I remember trying to paint a flute not so long ago. At some point you actually have to execute these nutty ideas.

Regarding Victoria's healthy look - Afghanistan is a little too violent for me these days. I can see myself wandering around Kabul with my camera and a bag of pasta with chicken, being chased by a pack of dogs. If the dogs didn't murder me, I'd probably end up in Cuba, sleeping on a blanket.

[Jean Kelly]

The problem is how to make her more important than the clock. Maybe decreasing the size of the clock in relation to her, or placing Victoria in front of it. You have some major competition going on here. Focusing the light on her face with the clock in shadow would put the emphasis on her and also make the clock easier to paint. I now wish I had put more light on Clea's face (the rose) and will have to do that for the painting from life.

Jean

[Michele Rushworth]

A more traditional outfit and hairstyle would go better with the clock, I think.