Bethany: Thank you for the comment on the contrast of the background and shirt. I also like that bit. The figure was done mostly from life and I changed the background and added the straw bale for affect. I agree that the hat gets lost. Once I get the painting back I will slightly lightened the background around the hat.

Kate: Thank you for your comments. I have just recently discovered edges and am trying to employ them in my paintings. Maybe went a little overboard with the hat.

Harry: Thank you. The 1921 Tequila bottle was snagged from the our Still Life groups props shelf. I see what you mean about the boots. I had softened the edges in an attempt to take them out of focus. What would you suggest? Darken them? Paint them out? Crop?

I think it’s the very prominent boot top on her right leg. Maybe just make it slightly darker? It seems to produce a ‘flicker’ in the eye but that could just be me. You certainly don’t want to be making any major changes to what is a very nice picture.

Thank you for the suggestions Harry. There is a highlight on her right boot top edge that could be toned down. The V of the same boot seems to be drawing attention as well. That could be softened too. Thank you for the compliment, I will try not to mess it up. :thumbsup: