Yin-Yang

[Mike McCarty]

Terri,

I think your's could be effective.

Sometimes I get caught speeding, trying to be too clever.

[Terri Ficenec]

No problem Mike ... I thought Chris's idea was also neat.

[Jean Kelly]

I like Chris's idea Mike. Desaturated, like the border you did but softer. I hope you're not mad at me for calling them fat raindrops, I meant no harm.

Jean

[Linda Brandon]

Mike, how about a variation of this Sargent?
Portrait of Isabella Gardiner

[Chris Saper]

Yes, Mike, that's what I mean. But to really make them stay in the background, I think you should have the different parts of the YY image in the same value.

Linda, GREAT image.

[Mike McCarty]

Jean,

I get mad very rarely. I remember when I was a kid they raised the price of those little bottles of Coke from six cents to a dime. That really burned me up. Other than that you would have to marry me to make me mad.

Linda,

That's one impressive image. I would love to see that in person. One of the benefits of doing the full length composition like that is that you can widen up the top and sides. I suppose a fella could do whatever he wanted, but when you cut it down to less than half a figure, my eye wants to bring in the sides and top accordingly. What you're left with then is basically two relatively small negative background spaces, one on either side. This is where I got stumped and tried to split the image. Combine that with the fact that her tall hat completely split the background.

I will admit that what I was trying to imagine was something somewhat literal. If it's like a wink to a blind man, or it needs a hand out to explain, I probably couldn't conceive it.

I think the wallpaper idea is a good one. Basically creating many smaller versions of the symbol either in a border arrangement, or placed in a pattern covering the entire background.

Terri's version is also interesting. Her's would, I think, require more expertise in execution.

One thing I know, these matters should not be left to resolve in mid stream.

[Richard Monro]

Mike,
After looking through this thread the thought came to me that if the symbol is important, why does it have to be on the wall. Why couldn't it be on the hat or the jacket? If the colors were subdued and the values properly chosen it might make a very nice accent without being overwhelming. Just a thought to throw into the mix as I know how frustrating this type of thing can be. Best wishes for a successful resolution.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Mike, I favor Richards idea and would place the symbol on her hat above the ear in very subdued values. Sometimes less is more and I think the symbol in form as wallpaper shouts "Chinese Restaurant". But then again, that's just my take on it and you might surprise me.

[Mike McCarty]

Richard,

That's another interesting possibility.

It may be that the best solution is to just put the energy into the subject and forget the symbol. I was seduced (not a difficult task) by the large compelling wall sculpture, maybe it's best not to disturb the delicate balance.

Enzie,

It's been a while since we walked that Pacific beach. I have fond memories of that trip, and competition that you so ably organized.

[Kimberly Dow]

Mike, I spent a little time fiddling with this...and came up with nothing good. Just wanted to pipe in that I cant wait to see what you come up with. Your initial drawing is wonderful.