Need some help.. working on it..

[maw-t]

I started this today & have messed with it over 1/2 the day.. should have let it behttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2009/76639-WASH.jpg hrs ago... WOrked on the hands a long time then finally stuck them INTO the wash:lol: ...any & all suggestions/crits/manips.. needed!

[Donna T]

T, you know I am not a figure painter but I'll give you my observations - which you should probably ignore! Her right forearm (on our left) seems a little long. Back in the stoneages I was taught that the length from the shoulder to the elbow is about the same as that from the elbow to the wrist. Even with her shoulder lower on that side I think we might see more of her hand. This is more of a question, not a crit at all: when the figure is performing some kind of action should the background be quieter to provide contrast to the action? I have no idea - are there "rules" for this?
I like your subject and her weathered look!

Donna

[Punky2]

T,

I am no figure painter at all, so you should probably ignore me also.

I really like the stance of her body, how she has her right (our left) hip tilted up like she has her weight on her right foot, and the way her shoulders angle down.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/74403-76639-WASH1.jpg

I didn't draw the lines very well, but you get the idea. I really like this.

Along with what Donna said about the arm, what's throwing me is her right (our left) shoulder. I took out some of the white shirt here:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2009/74403-76639-WASH2.jpg

I love the way the light hits her, and the color. Again, I know nothing, so take what I said with a grain of salt.

Terri

[BetsyPriesing]

Maw-t this is a great subject, its on valoure paper? What bothers me is the nose and area right around it, it needs color the nose should have reds in it. Im not sure what your ref is, but to me it looks like you skipped over it.
love it to be sure though!

[maw-t]

Gosh, I luv u guys:).. This morning this is even more displeasing to me than last night... not sure it can be saved from the fire!

Donna, Yes, she is "elastic granny"... ! Very good observation! I _had to make it longer however to go INTO the wash! LOL..It is aweful...I did this out of my head (or should I say from memory?.. no, out of my head was more like it:). I have no figure painting exp to speak of.. & have no clue of any rules.. so thanks for sharing that about the elbow! & I really dislike that BG... You are right on.. thanks so much!

Hi Terri! Thanks for the manip! Much better with that piece of shirt gone! Glad to know the posture works...

Betsy.. suede matboard...Yes I did skip it... & you are right.. thanks!!!

[Donna T]

T, this is not awful by any means! Could you bring some of the wash up farther to cover that area of her arm/hand? We all know what is at the end of her arm even if we don't see it. If I can cover problem spots in a landscape with a strategically placed shrub you should be able to do something similar here! :)

Donna

[binkie]

This is going to be fabulous. I may be totally off here, but something about the top front (the ellipse) of wash tub doesn't read quite right to my eyes.

binkie

[pastel lover]

Hi,

I really like the looseness of your style & the subject matter. On the problem arm...I agree with Donna about bringing the wash up over more of the arm. You might also want to take a look at those dark areas indicating her arm pit. They seem a bit high to me, if you position that dark area lower on her arm it will make her arm appear shorter. You could also throw in a few folds in sleeve indicating where her elbow is, this would break up the long line of her sleeve making the arm appear shorter. Just suggestions, of course, disregard as desired.

Tanja

[PushingPixels]

I'm loving the texture and color in the background almost too much. Thats where my eyes want to stay. But I love it. I just got fitted with mono contacts so I might not be seeing all that good.
One eye for close and one for far.. they say your brain compensates for the difference - we will see. (I hope)

[maw-t]

Thanks Binkie Pastel lover & PushingPixels... I thinkt this one is just not meant to be.. at least for now... I may get back to it at another date... I appreciate all the comments & suggestions ALOT!!