"Bob" help- please critique!

[frottis]

I was happy with the figure and the upper background. Then I put forground rocks in and it kind of fell apart. It's a 24x36 oil on canvas. suggestions appreciated- Markhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Jan-2008/126952-January_082.jpg

[CarolinaGal]

Mark

Hope you don't mind, I copied your "great :thumbsup: " portrait to my hard drive and popped it into Photoshop so I could show you what I mean. All that I can see that you need to do is darken the shadowed rocks and ground a bit more - looks more realistic with the other tonal values in the pic.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Jan-2008/6720-darkened-January_082.jpg

Georgia (who really doesn't get on here enough lately)

[frottis]

Georgia- Thanks so much for your reply. Darkening helped tremendously. I think the other part of the problem is the way the rocks are painted, especially @ bottom right. I made them up, and it looks like it. I'll try some remedies then repost. Thanks again -Mark

[Iaartist]

Nice portrait, I like the way you handled the light on his shirt.

[Jprice022]

I like your painting really well. Thanks for sharing with us.

John

[paintergrl]

Beautiful job! I love the way that you captured the expression in his face. Can't wait to see it after you've made the changes. What size is it done in?

Amber

[paintergrl]

Oopps I just saw the size...sorry! Being so large, it must be a really magnificent painting to view in person.

[Diane Cutter]

Very nicely done. I'd love to see the 'newer' version after working on the shadows.

Diane

[Jo Castillo]

This is a great painting. I have trouble when I make up rocks as well. I'm looking forward to seeing the finish. Nice gesture and colors.

[frottis]

Thanks everyone for comments and suggestions. I reconfigered the rocks slightly and darkened them. I'm still opened to suggestions for finishes.-Markhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Feb-2008/126952-Feb._week_2_0092.jpg

[Diane Cutter]

No suggestions from here. You've done an excellent job and I like the much darker shadows. It really gives the feel of the intense Western sun.

Diane

[Jo Castillo]

Very nice. It looks great now. Good job.