Harvey -- Portrait for Critique
 

I am in the finishing stages and would welcome any suggestions at improving this portrait. His name is Harvey and is a cleanup guy for a Greek restaurant in Raleigh, NC.

Take a look at this in Greyscale. You have done a good job of massing your dark, middle and light values into a good composition. You have also created an interesting silhouette for a strong composition.

However, you have missed an opportunity with your background. If you can alter the background into more interesting shapes and make an opportunity to lose and find edges, you will strengthen this piece a lot.

:)It is OK to invent semi-specific abstract shapes in a background just for the sake of the design.

Harvey
 

Karin,

Thanks for the advice. I've seen your work and love the way your portraits are created. I love using more abstract backgrounds when there isn't a predetermined background to use. But I will try using your advice on softening and pulling more interesting shapes out of my background. Again thanks for the critique.