Kristen

[bnoonan]

MY IMAGE(S):
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/10-09-2002/13264_christen-for-web.jpg


GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: Kristen
Year Created: 2002
Medium: Pastel
Surface: Paper
Dimension: 18 x 20
Allow digital alterations?: Yes!

MY COMMENTS:
This piece was completed today after a 6 hour session with the model. The paper is Sennilier le Carte paper which holds a greater tooth than I've ever used before. It was good to try something new - I learned it can be a bit more foregiving than Canson mi tientes.

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:
I'm unsure how I like the hand - I've not had much practice. It seems a bit large.

Any and all feedback on color/composition/application would be appreciated.

[Chuck Levitin]

I think the hand is the correct size. Hands are bigger than most people think they are. If you put the base of your hand on your chin, your fingers should reach to the middle of your forehead. What I find odd about the hand is that the fingers are ramrod straight. Fingers have a natural curl to them. I doubt the model was holding her fingers as straight as you have drawn.

The cash shadows on her face, right shoulder, chest and under her hand look a little dead to me. With interior lighting, the shadows should be warm and the highlights cool. I think you need to add some dark red into the shadows to warm them up. The background violet seems to halo her head. I suggest you change the shape of the violet so that it does not. Also, add some of the background violet to her hair, where it turns away from the viewer. Finally, I think if you brighten up the reflected highlights on her eyes she will look more alive.