Is this too much?

[Jean Kelly]

Chris,

This guy is a manly man, and I think the plant is too girly for him. I see what you mean about the shapes in the background though. I think I can find a more masculine background with the same shapes, brick or weathered wood, tone it way down and have it work quite nicely. Instead of the awful painting, a boarded up window, etc. I'll keep my eyes open for his perfect background. Do a sketch and even "color studies"!

Jean

[Jean Kelly]

I met with my model last night and we've decided to put an old brick wall behind him, like you might see in an old gym. So I'm on a brick wall search, something scruffy with crumbling grout! Not red, but grey to brown, he's all excited. I'll keep some of the shapes in the background and the plant may turn into a heavy bag. All will just be suggested and muted in color so he can remain the star.

Or I'll take the chair out and let him lean on the wall without adding anything but the brick in the background.

Jean