From the artist: My wife encouraged me to have you critique some of my art work. This is an oil titled 'The model for the Model'. The model for this painting is Robert Hinchcliffe who has modeled for numerous sculptures and works of art depicting Christ. In this painting he is holding a crucifix that he was the model for. Robert is an amazing person with a peaceful and positive attitude in spite of life's difficulties. I did not reveal in this painting that he is in his wheel chair, because he suffers from muscular dystrophy. I wanted to show the peace that can be had in the adversity of life. Bob

The Learning Gallery: The Model for the Model
Your Original	Strong Points: You did a wonderful job Bob! I really don't see anything to improve. On the contrary, what I see is some things that can't be learned from you. I'm referring to the way you blurred out the hand and book so they wouldn't compete with the face. This way the viewer is able to focus solely on the face. This goes to show that not only backgrounds can be blurry.

My Modified Version

Areas to Work On / My Modifications: The only change I did was to add more light around his head giving it more of a spiritual look, commonly depicted in deity paintings.

Additional comments: Excellent Job! [ Discuss in the Art Critique Message Forum! ]