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Old 08-29-2002, 12:22 AM   #9
Jeanine Jackson Jeanine Jackson is offline
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I apologize for not explaining myself clearly. Here's another try:

I was referring to darkening areas of shadow within the figure, e.g. the child's neck as it turns back, eyes, shadows in creases, etc. to "connect" the subject visually to the background in terms of composition.

Find a way to weave some darks into the figure, if you will, like a light center medallion within a dark blue Persian rug.

There is no clear-cut source of light on your subject, so dark modeling features would be too tricky, and I would always discourage outlining. Especially since the light and softness of your edges against the dark background create a halation effect that adds to the charm of this lovely painting.

There are other solutions here, such as making the background lighter in some areas, but you risk disturbing the strength of that vast calming expanse surrounding her.

My vote would be for a few darks on the figure.
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