Linda!
 

Fantastic! I wish I could see this in person, somehow I have a feeling my monitor isn't doing it justice!

Thanks everybody - I really appreciate it. Yes this was kind of a terrifying endeavor - for the most part because of the proportions. It was a challenge determining a composition that could hold everybody in the such a vertical format. Another factor was that the painting is to be hung quite high (the bottom will be at 5' off the ground) So I planned the composition so you'd be looking up at them. When I took the photograph, I set the camera about 35 feet away down from them on a steep hill. We timed it so we'd have the sun at their backs (to get the rim lighting and to avoid direct light in their faces) Taking the photo from farther allowed to get everyone in without using alot of horizontal space. I just kept taking pictures and posing them differently, then coming closer to get close up reference photos of each.

Very impressive. You converted a most dificult challenge into a home run.

This is beautiful - what a great commission to land as well.

Thanks very much Kim and Marvin - it means alot to me.

It's funny about posting in the "unveilings" section. Before turning pro, I used to post more in the work in progress even if I'd finished the painting in my eyes. As a full time artist, I prefer to post in the unveilings, not to avoid critique, but, well, the painting is done and I've given it to the client most times already. So it's tough to open any individual painting up for a massive critique, but should anyone see a trend in my work that I should address, please let me know.

I like it
:sunnysmil

:thumbsup: Nice work.

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Thank you Tim - I really appreciate it.

( It's so odd to feel so exasperated as I grope to improve, and yet to feel so content to just be producing something that touches someone - I mean hey, this is just painting, not neurosurgury. No one is gonna die just because I'm learning on the job, so have some fun and enjoy...)

This fellow should let you have the whole place free for a lifetime!

Really beautifull, well designed. The chirldren are charming and as luminous as the background.

Great work!

Sincerely,