No defensiveness detected! I just can't wait to see what you do when you pull everything together and post something you really love.

A really big dollie.
 

Kimberly et al.,

I just posted my mannequin on the Alicia Rose site. I cannot tell you how useful this setup was in gauging color relationships. My model had left for college and it was invaluable in painting the skirt, the rose and the sash.

The blouse, corset, waist and front of the skirt was painted from the model, but the skirt was painted from the mannequin. It was great to place the drapery where you wanted it and not have it move.

I have done similar mock-ups with paper towels and pillows, but this is easier.

Here is an update on what I have done after these critiques. I wont be posting in the Unveilings since I cannot seem to get a decent photo of it and it ships to a show in the morning. I think I addressed each issue raised, except changing the apples to oranges - I just plain ran out of time. I even put retouch varnish on when my signature was still a bit wet and smudged.

Thank you for all the help folks! Forgive me for the cock-eyed photo. The area above the orange has some kind of cast shadow there in the photo.

Excellent work -- you should be very proud!

Eve's Alternative
 

Excuse me if I reply incorrectly as I am a new member, but I had to respond to your painting. It is everything I like in a painting - great color, brushwork, drawing, composition and a compelling image. It feels like skin and bone surrounded by light.
Very nice.

Michele, thank you :D

John, welcome to the forum - and thank you for your kind words!

Kim-- This is just beautiful. I really like the theme, and especially how you handled the light on her collar bone at the base of the neck, very convincing!

You're building quite a portfolio!

Wow - congratulations on a beautiful, very successful painting, Kim.

Did I miss it - did you tell us the area that was bothering you? Or did anyone get it right?

Kimberly,

She looks great.

Terri, Cindy & Sharon - thank you!

Cindy - I dont want to say now! Actually I think I fixed it. It was the forearm holding the platter. It had light hitting it - so in life it wasnt as dark as I felt it should be since it was on the shadow side. Either I fixed it or just got over it because I didnt notice it the day I shipped it out!