Barbara,

Yes, I am suggesting a milky scumble-glaze (velatura) as a simple technique to take the most strident qualities out of your intense brown, without otherwise changing the brushwork or structure of your painting. If you are subtle enough you will hardly see any change at all. Your painting will look essentially the same, except that the background will feel subliminally more atmospheric. Test the velatura on another surface first to see if it has the effect you want.

Garth

Miracle Worker
 

I think you deserve the title of miracle worker for the final painting!

Hello again Garth.

I have scumbled blue into the background to cool it down. Do you think that I should give it another coat? I also scumbled some into the kids hair, was that a mistake? I have posted a close up of the kids because I noticed that her face looks a little distorted, even though it isn't really.

Thanks again Garth.

Barbara;)

Thanks Jeanine.

Yes, this was a real toughy! I think that I will go by my instincts when I am given poor reference material, trouble is, I really do like a challenge! But this one proved to be more of a headache than a challenge.

Take care Jeanine.

Barbara:)

Barbara,

Congratulations. This works to my eye. I applaud you for putting up with and responding to all the scrutiny. Well done!

Garth