Jade1

Jane Bradley · 05-24-2005, 09:36 PM

Oil on linen panel 18X18

Linda Brandon · 05-27-2005, 10:04 PM

Hi Jane,

I just spotted this and it's beautiful with a strong contemporary feel.

Is there something in particular that you want critiqued?

Michele Rushworth · 05-27-2005, 11:03 PM

Gorgeous! If I were to make any suggestions, though, it would be that the painting seems very off center, heavy on the right. Often in a profile portrait the eye is centered on the canvas. Of course, this could have been an intentional design decision but it does produce a feeling of being out of balance. I would also suggest that there should be more indication of background color in the foreground elements. All objects in a particuar setting bounce light and color off one another.

Jane Bradley · 05-31-2005, 12:42 AM

Linda,

I just completed (in a hurry four pieces for the festival I went to this weekend) - I was looking for some input since I was so close to them -now I am back from the festival I can make some changes (these did not sell - although I did sell some others).

Michele - Thanks for your input - I was having some difficulty in placement of this head - but what you said makes sense- the eye being in the middle of the canvas as a rule. Also the background was a decision that was done in haste and probably could stand being revisited. The subtleties are hard to see in a photograph of the painting, but I did try to bring some of the color of the background into the figure. Perhaps not enough. I will play with it now I have a little time.

Mike McCarty · 05-31-2005, 08:17 AM

Jane,

The figure placement on the canvas is real important. When your subject is mostly vertical it is very difficult to create a square composition, it will always seem a little heavy left or right. in order to get what looks like a balanced square you would have to lose some of the figure on the bottom (still it's a little bit tight on the top to my eye). I think the vertical composition would be better suited for your Indian lady.

Hope this helps.

Garth Herrick · 05-31-2005, 11:34 AM

In my opinion the original composition is the most interesting and compelling. It implies the subject is actively engaged and focused on what lies ahead of her eyes. She has move an increment in that direction, and that fully supports her pleasant gaze. I think that is brilliant. Any recropping and recomposing makes this dull as dishwater by comparison. With a square, one must throw the balance off slightly anyway, and I think this is an excellent success.

Jane this is a brilliant painting! i love what you are doing with squares.

Garth

Jane Bradley · 05-31-2005, 01:17 PM

Mike,
Thanks for your input! I took it into photoshop and tried many ways to crop it and still couldn't find a way I liked better - but I couldn't say why.
Garth,
- Thank you for verbalizing a reason for why my painting may be better square. - and thanks for your kind words!! I do like squares lately and I am not sure why, but several of my paintings have ended up that way.