FINISHED?

I have posted the previous incarnation under the finished painting so you can see some of the changes I have made.  Some of the differences are just the difference in adjusting the photograph.  I did not make any changes on the face and neck of the figure on the right, but I did change her hair some.

This is as close as I can come to getting the photo to match the actual painting in color, value and intensity. A good case for viewing paintings in person!  I have made adjustment after adjustment.  It seemed once I changed one thing, something else didn't look right.  I had to "kill" one of my favorite parts for the good of the entire painting.....I hate when that dilemma occurs.  I will bring the painting to critique.  I am thinking I want to do this composition again with some changes in the drawing.  

My husband is getting very good at critiquing.  He spotted some problems I had not noticed.  I appreciate his interest and welcome his comments.  I don't always agree with them, but I never get upset with anything he has to say about the work.  

In the past, I have focused on one face.  Having multiple figures or faces presents a much greater challenge compositionally.  I am having growing pains but I like the challenge.  Now, if I can only get more abstracted.  Onward!