Hi Christy,

I am a newbie here and just starting out in pastels.  So please take my comments in the vein in which I offer them...friendly disussion.

Your composition is very intriguing and a little mysterious. Especially with the title which I am having a hard time relating.  But using the back of model is very intriguing even without the title.  I am not sure of your intended focal point...it could be that teasingly loose strap on the right or the outrageous hat.  I think you could make it clearer where you want my focus.  The red shape on the left draws my eye too but adding to the mystery since I am not sure what it is....is it a boa?  The hat looks unfinished to me.   The light values don't seem to be able to balance the dark of the dress. 

I like compositions that leave the viewer wondering so this is a very intriguing piece.

Barbara

Here is the finished piece.  I decided to leave a plain background since it's such a small piece.  I may go bigger with it later and work in a background then. 

Christine

Hi Christy,

You've done a great job!  I like the plain background. The blue works well. The complimentary colors in the green leaves and the red boa work very well.  I would have liked to have some of that red up in the hat to draw my eye up there.  That would give a path for the eye...I still think that naughty strap is the first focal point ..then the red boa and if there was a bit of red in the hat it would make it easier for the eye to get there.  The feathers are very well executed...perfect subjects for pastel.  I hope you continue the series.  

Barbara   

Thanks, Barbara.  Hmmm...you're right.  Maybe a little red rosebud up there amongst the green leaves?  I'm probably going to rework this in a larger format and I'll keep that in mind.  Thanks again!