"The Secret"
 

This is a figurative oil, 16" x 20".

I believe this piece brings together all things I have learned this summer. I am very happy with this piece.

It is entitled "The Secret", my youngest daughter is the one on our right.

Detail of figures on our left.

Detail of figure on our right.

I really like your daughter's face -- nice job, Beth!

Way to go Beth. Keep at new work. ;)

I like this Beth
 

This painting has your old freshness and life along with some new found skill. Reminds me of my own teen years with friends.

Jean

Beth,

I've already commented on this piece on the other forum, but I must say, I think this is your best work yet.

Apparently the scene is open to interpretation. It reminds Jean of her teen years (presumably a positive memory), but I see modern adolecents facing more serious issues. Working in social services, I know that kids have many dark serets these days. I don't think these girls' secret is that Tommy likes Becky. I think you've touched on the modern adolescent experience.

Very nice work

Hi Beth,

I like it a lot. I was surprised when I read the dimensions. I expected it to be larger somehow. I like the way this painting seems to tell a story.

Peter

Great job Beth! I really like this one, especially the expressions on all the faces.

Mai

Elizabeth, this is a wonderful portrait that has so much of a story behind it! The story is so clear that I forget to look at the painting technique and how it was made - which is a good thing!

The expressions on the faces really set the mood of the painting and tell a clear story. I can hear the gossip flying now. When I first saw this painting, I immediately thought of similar paintings that have a deep story with very few elements in them. One is called the Fortune Teller by Georges de La Tour and the other is the Card Sharps by Caravaggio. Both images are posted below.

Again, I love this painting as it captures so much expression within a very limited setting.

Great work!!