Right arm
 

Dear Friends,

Please help me with the composition of this commission (24" x 30" with cream ground) if you will. The title is Michal and Shelley.

Does the mother's right arm stop too abruptly behind the daughter? If so what are some options?

Also, do you feel that the background is too cold?

One last one: The light in the room acted exactly as it shows in the resource photo, but it looks a little questionable to have strong light on one subject and not the other. I tried putting strong light on the mother's hair at the far right and it didn't show up. Any suggestions. I would really appreciate any input you could give me.

Thank you so much.

Mary Short

Reference photo
 

Reference photo for Michal and Shelley (24" x 30")

Mary,

This is very nice so far. I do agree that the mother's arm seems unnaturally truncated behind the child. I would probably have continued it past the child's waist and allowed it to disappear behind her skirt. Because it's a lighter color I think it would read convincingly as the mother's arm.

From what I can see in your reference photo there is some light striking the mother's forehead on her left side, which you could accentuate. I think there's also more shadow under the mother's chin and jawline than you have; that would match the shadow in the child's hair better.

I'd like to see it when it's finished! There's a lot of life in this painting.

Right Arm
 

Leslie,

Thank you for your comments. I think you are right, the arm does look unnatural. Also, I like your idea of darkening the shadow under the chin.

Anchoring the subjects by continuing on down to the bottom of the canvas is a good idea. As soon as I do these things I'll post another shot of the portrait.

Thank you again for your opinion. I'm open to any suggestions.

Sincerely,
Mary Short