I absolutely love your background treatment. It puts the subject in his environment and does not distract from him (or convey the busy background of the original). I'm going to remember this for future paintings. For me, the red splotches really add to the impact of the image. Your painting of the subject is excellent. I wouldn't change a thing. Your art group will love this image. Peace !!   Posted: 03/13/2023 08:39:53

All together blends very nicely and the preset you use give that ancient effect, that goes so well with the theme of your paint. Very well done.   Posted: 03/21/2023 02:23:18

I really appreciate the DOF you achieved by use of the Topaz preset. It also helps draw attention to the subject. I would add more space to the top of the image so the subject isn't crushed by the border of the image. When you mentioned he was writing "peace", the first thing that came to my mind (guy thinking) is that the red represented blood splatter. You can imagine the subsequent questions someone would ask about the man - was his killed in some foreign land that suppresses free speech, critcism of government, etc. Does the viewer know this was at a Lunar Asian Festival - we all do in this group, but not the public-at-large. I do like the process and end result of the composition as it showcases the subject well.
Maybe I watch too many cop shows and murder mysteries ...   Posted: 03/25/2023 09:33:37