Welcome any critiques

Abdi R Malik · 12-07-2001, 02:55 PM

Hello,

This is a commissioned portrait of Mrs. Marina. Her husband works in my country.

There might be 25% left to finish this work, the color of her shawl & dress are still pale. I am not sure about the Vase over her left shoulder. Is it well placed or take it off? I really need some input.

Thank you,
Abdi

Karin Wells · 12-07-2001, 06:39 PM

Nice painting. I like the vase, however it "jumps out" a bit. To correct this, I would have the figure overlap the vase a little bit more so that it definitely reads as if it is in the background.

Another way to make an object appear to be further back in the picture plane is to tone down the focus (i.e., not so much sharp & precise detail) and make the object slightly "cooler" in color.

Maxine Gilder · 12-07-2001, 09:41 PM

I think it would help to ask yourself what your center of focus is.

If you show more hard edges only in the places that you want the focus to be, it would give alot more drama to the painting. Everything can't be important.

Cynthia Daniel · 12-07-2001, 09:59 PM

Abdi,

Overall I like the portrait. I agree that making the vase recede some would be good. Would probably be hard at this point to change the position?

I'm wondering about her lips. They look rather "pulled in". Perhaps they are like that in real life?

Abdi R Malik · 12-08-2001, 08:32 AM

Thank you for all inputs.

Actually, I cropped the image because there might be a failure in processing the film. Since I have no Digital Camera, it surely takes time to re-capture the images.

There was a chair's rim on her right and her hands, handrest on the lower side, so Her position tends to the center.

I think I will do what Karin suggested, to tone down the vase, slightly blurred.

She has a thin lips, you are right Mrs. Cynthia they appear pulled in, I will harmonize them.

Thank you
Abdi

The image of my work with vases on the background