[Amy Otteson]

Thanks you two for the feedback, it is helpful.

I love color and love to use it. I get into trouble when I get carried away and then lose the values. My favorite paintings are the ones where the artist uses both very effectively. I'm working on keeping values accurate - so I have created a dilemma for myself with these lighting issues, and I will need to keep myself in check.

The reference photo I posted actually was window light only, one on the right and a smaller window out in front of Dean. When I moved to doing the barn background the lighting became more dramatic from the right. There is still some light from small upper windows out in front but the barn interior is very dark for the most part. You are both right, I need to make a decision. Do I create less contrast in the pants or do I go with more contrast and use a darker value on the left of his body? I'm leaning that way -- to emphasize the shadow area on the left of his body, especially in his shirt and arm.

Lisa you are right about the lip - I will address that. I have created this little dilemma because of poor planning. But I hope I can make it work. What do you think of this idea, darker value on the left side and using more contrast instead of less, as Chuck suggested. I know I need to learn about taking good reference photos to make my life easier.

Thank you!
Amy