Hi everyone, this is my first post, and I'd be grateful for your comments on this painting. It's something of a "comeback" picture after a year in which I've not produced much.

Thanks!

Howdy,

I think it's pretty good. It's a very loose style you have. But I like a bit of an impression ist feel to a painting.
At the moment though the bottom half of the painting grabs my eye. I think it's because it's very light down there. I wonder if a little darkening around the lower half background would help the eye to go to the face.

Great comeback all the same.

paint on

she has a great face, perfectly proportioned - love that but somehow the body seems a bit long in comparison and catches the eye more than that beautiful, serene face.Maybe the lightening round the head as Chris suggests would help? also i think her waist is a bit too thin ( spit spit - wish mine was.. ) but in her case she seems to be tilting to the left ( as facing her - not her left) and maybe just reduce the angle of the curve in her waist at the back would balance better? but a great comeback - its hard to pick up brushes after some time off.

Hello and welcome. It's good you are painting again.I agree her Bottom draws you too much maybe as Chalky mentioned either darken the backgound at the bottom of the Painting or leave the light background and give a little more higlight on her rear end.

Her right breast seems too low compared to the rest of her body. Otherwise, she looks fine.

Thanks to all of you for your feedback, it's much appreciated. This is the sort of thing I joined this forum for, because you take the time to encourage people, and point out possible improvements. This painting can now go back on the easel while I try out your suggestions! Cheers!

I always find it a bit worrying commenting on others work in case that person is upset but if comments are seen as being a genuine attempt to help then thats the most constructive thing for all. its too easy to just say " marvellous work, fantastic, fabulous " etc but that doesn't help anyone to learn or see where there's a problem. I like constructive feedback - sometimes we get to close to see ourselves where the faults are.
happy painting. i thought grandchildren and daughter were coming over today for lunch but its now off sooo - i can spend some time painting i think I've had a few ideas mulling round over xmas...

I'm a bit nervous as this is my first post too and hope that any 'criticism' will be taken in the spirit intended (i e as constructive and helpful)but I can only offer what is after all a personal opinion (for what it's worth!). It's your painting and as long as your happy with it, well, that's all that really matters. Another 'eye' is only useful when we know there's something not quite right - but can't see 'what' ourselves. Personally I think this has the makings of a great painting. I love your choice of colours and her confident, coquettish pose makes me want to know more about her. Technically, I'd agree with all previous comments; the right breast is too low and perhaps too large, thereby confusing the body alignment. Highlighting the lower half (her hips) rather than her head, does miss the opportunity to draw the viewers attention to her face (which is beautifully painted!). Finally, her dress; I'd like to be able to learn more about her from it, to put her in clearer context; is she contemporary, historical, what's her nationality, profession, social standing etc? I look forward to seeing her progress and I hope you let us see her when she's finished!

I just felt a higlight on her right thigh as you look at her would stop you from looking straight at her bottom and look at her face instead.It is a great pose.Or if the dark ness was at the bottom of the image and the light at the top of the image would work too.
Yes it is daunting asking for advice as it sometimes draws unwanted distructive crits!Without any useful input.

Hi, and well done for doing a painting after a time. I too have had an uneventful year painting due to family & health stuff, but am hoping to complete a set of figures over next few months.
I love her face, you have captured much in that expression. The rest is perhaps tweaking here & there. Her breasts are a bit lopsided, but hey, whose aren't without a fantastic hold me up?!!
Hope to see more from you.
Julie