Chris,
Thank you for your critique. When I can stand to look at her again I will get rid of the post asap. I was wondering originally if that was just too much background with the foliage, that's why I put that darn thing in there. (Where were you when I started? Most likely working on your own paintings I suppose.)
I will soften the edges of the belly and look at those values you mentioned. This is just what I needed. My only question is the belly - I do want to leave it and I do want to soften it, but I guess I am afraid of lowering the value too much and having it not look realistic for the light on the rest of her body. I will try it anyway. Thank you again!
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Kim
http://kimberlydow.com
"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes." - Maggie Kuhn
"If you obey all the rules, you'll miss all the fun." - Katherine Hepburn