Sara Mac

[Mary Sparrow]

Ok, I know some of you told me to nix the hands in the resource photo, but I chose to TRY them anyway. If it isn't working I will start over.

The one thing that I really don't like about this painting is the paper. I tried it on the smooth side of Canson, simply because the mother liked that ice blue (yes it is very light blue) and asked me to use it. I'm used to sanded surfaces and this was just a nightmare to me.

The mother likes the idea of NO background and wanted everything very, very light (her whole house is like that), but now that I have Sara almost done, I'm wondering if that looks ok or weird? Does it need a background of sorts or no?

And just what about those hands? Mom really wanted them because she says she stands around like that ALOT, but are they in an awkward position? Hands are NOT my favorite thing to do.

[Michele Rushworth]

Very nice. I like the light palette, and the non-background. I think you've done a pretty good job on the hands too.

I would, however, suggest you greatly lighten and warm up the lines between the fingers. Photos exaggerate the darkness and coolness of shadows and this causes a very harsh feeling, especially between fingers. I'd also double check the drawing of the baby finger on the hand on our left. It seems like it could be softened somewhat.

[Steven Sweeney]

Hi Mary,

You have an amazing facility with this medium. This is quite lovely.

You know, also, how I

[Mary Sparrow]

Thank you so much for your help. As usual I was worried sick that the mother would walk in and croak that it looked awful, but she cried..LOL, so I guess it is her "baby". While she didn't notice the things technically wrong with the hands, Im printing out your advice and going to go make the changes. The mother probably won't know the difference, but I will.