Sisters

Jeanine Jackson · 12-03-2004, 01:46 AM

While your light source is from the left off-canvas, you can still make the backgound darker on the left side close to the lit side of face. The general rule is dark (background on left)>light (face in the light)>dark (face in shadow)>light (backround on right). Rules can of course be broken, but in your case, I think it would have enhanced your beautiful painting.
And I think you have a lovely name!

Leslie Ficcaglia · 12-05-2004, 10:03 AM

Janel, I agree with Jeanine that you did a marvelous job, and I also like your decision to make the older girl's sleeve longer. It gets rid of that distracting highlight on the arm. Their faces are just great, too. I hope you have decent copies of this for yourself. And what can I say - some people are never happy. I'd think the results would have allowed their dad to rise above petty considerations. How nice that their grandparents asked you to do this! At least someone on that side has good taste...

Janel Maples · 12-05-2004, 01:50 PM

Jeanine,

Thank you for the general rule of thumb, I did not know that and will keep it in mind for future reference. And, I like my name now too.

Leslie,

Thank you for the pat on the back as well. I was worried, because I didn't get too many remarks on it, that people didn't like it so I really appreciate the positive response. It was a challenge to do because of the reference being such a bugger.

As for their grandparents, I was so touched to get the phone call asking if I would do this for them. It says a lot.

But, it is also a great opportunity for me to get a lot of exposure. Their friends and house guests are exactly the people I want my paintings in front of. They entertain a lot and this painting is hanging in the center of where their get togethers take place. So, this was a big commission for me in more ways than one.

Deep down I know their dad likes it as well. He was a big fan of my artwork, in fact he still has artwork I created for him 15 years ago when we were married hanging in his office. He just doesn't like my current name hanging in his parents house. I chuckled to myself when I entertained the idea of making my name vibrate. Hee hee, but I would never actually do that.

Thanks again.