Marina, sorry it took a while for me to comment on this, I think I was stunned for a day or two ;-)
I think that apart from the technical excellency, what is appearant is your involvement with this scene. It has children, they are sweet and romantic, but there is something deep and serious about the image which would not let anyone dismiss it as sentimental.
Congratulations, this is another really beautiful work
Ilaria

Marina, I like it too.
Poetry is the flowering of language and often brings inspiration to painters.
Homer talked about "The vineblue sea around Crete", a title I used for a watercolor of the tempestuous sea at the south of Crete.

Marina you have certainly pulled another great composition together. I really do find your work inspiring compositionally so it was interesting to read how you planned this painting. Well Done!

Thank you Ilaria !

Allan : we should think about an exhibition " Homer's legacy " ...

Ngaire : I'm glad you you found interresting my explanations about composition. Composition is a big challenge, and even if you planed everything, when the developing the painting you're always confronted with unexpected problems....
Thank you!

Once again you knock my socks off! I'm running out of superlatives to describe your work, Marina. This one is my favorite so far.

Sharon and Michele : thanks for your kind comments !

I didn't know Maxfield Parrish, his work worth a look ! I also sometimes bild some cardboard structures to see the light and the shadows .

Love it
 

I think this painting is beautiful and a reminder to me of the seeing the world through the eyes of a child - if we could remember seeing something again for the very first time.