a little advice needed..

[AliciaS]

Hello,
I have taken a break from oils and painted this pastel painting.
My question is:
For a better composition, do you think I should give her a dark blouse under her sweater. and should I make the chair she is on straight instead of curved?
Thanks everyone! hope you are all doing well and painting up a dust storm!

[bnoonan]

Hi Alicia, It's always to my good fortune when you take a break from oils and come visit us in the dusty world.

I'm not sure but she seems terribly uncomfortable which may be your intent. What I would like to know, before I suggest changes, is the title or what you are trying to say so I can advise accordingly. Love the color and the face per usual. You have a gift with strong easy strokes.

Barb

[AliciaS]

thanks for stopping by Barb! hope your doing good!! it is very interesting that you say she looks uncomfortable...and ask about the title...because the title is called " The Secret " I wanted her to look at the viewer in a way that made the viewer uneasy...I didn't want a sweet look.....however I didn't want her to look uncomfortable either...can you tell me why you got that feeling..? thanks for your imput, I appreciate it very much..

[bnoonan]

I see her arms in a distressed position - defensive almost. The looks is uneasy. (to me anyway) but guarded, and almost on edge. I also noticed that there is a slight darker value to her lower abdomen... maybe it's the secret?

Oh I'd have to say, I'm not sure why but she makes me uncomfortable. Which could be what you are going for- that's why I asked.

I'm more tempted to look away than want to dwell in the colors.

whew... maybe others will have other things to say.

Congratulations for creating the emotion!!! It's emotive alright!

Barb

[Donna T]

It's always such a pleasure to see what you've been up to, Alicia. I love the dappled light on this girl, like she's outside in a garden. I get the same uneasy feeling that Barb does, sort of a "Hey, what are you looking at?" feeling. Like we caught her off-guard. If you made the blouse darker her figure would show more but it all depends on what her secret is ... maybe she's hiding a pregnant tummy ... only you know!

Donna

[AliciaS]

Whew is right! thanks for all that info! It is always interesting to hear how people respond! I guess I knew I would get a reaction along these lines! you have been a great test case! thanks!

[AliciaS]

exactly Donna! (how the hell are ya by the way?) I like the opposites in this painting..sweet colors, in the garden, but with a look of lost innocence...
maybe she has lost that innocence...hmmm
but I am glad it made you wonder...thanks for the input!!

[DAK723]

Hi Alicia! Good to see you and your art!

I think some darker values in the clothing may help. I put it into photoshop (hope you don't mind) to see. I think in some way it connects her better to the chair and creates a connection between her torso and head, in terms of range of values. I think the rounded chair is fine.

This is lovely either way!



Don

[kentiessen]

Seeing some value in the blouse from Don seems to strengthen the design- it links her into the curved chair shape. My thought is that she looks a bit mad/unhappy in her expression (I've seen this look given to a friend of mine).

[AliciaS]

Don -thank you! I will get right on that!! it looks much better!!
thanks Ken for your input! I enjoy peeking in on you on facebook!
yes she has a mysterious look...unhappy is good!! thank you so much for
your suggestions!

[Colorix]

Hi Alicia!

Ah, to me she looks very resentful, giving "the look". I'm less bothered by the lack of values in clothes as I am by the hand on our right sticking into her head, like she's scratching her nose from the inside. I guess it is that light line where arm meets head that brings it forward.

Curved chair makes her lower abdomen into a center of a circle, which is great if that is what you mean to be the secret part.

She's disturbing, she makes me think that it may be a secret of the kind that is not to be mentioned in polite society, like her being "daddy's special girl" in the most wrong kind of way.

Alicia, you're using your airy shimmering beautiful strokes and combine them with something very disturbing. Very interesting.

Charlie

[AliciaS]

Thanks Charlie, I appreciate all your comments! its so nice to hear from you! you always are so thoughtful in your responses!

[ReineBlanche2]

I like this. She has a defiant, or resentful look -like a child being punished. And it's good to be made to feel uneasy now and again. The whole idea of Art is to provoke feelings - not always 100% positive. The arch of her body is graceful and the pastel colours around her, beautiful. The focus is on her face, as it should be. A great job!

[AliciaS]

Thank you ReineBlanch2/ I agree ..some of my favorite paintings out there are what you would call a "bit disturbing" I appreciate your comments . I am always satisfied when I am able to provoke a feeling no matter what it is,
thanks.