Debra,you choose the perfect profession (hobbie?) to you. Your portfolio,is fantastic.Also your point of view and the color treatement. Congratulations.And thanks for let enjoy me with your images. Gustavo
I forgot to mention perhaps the most important element of this image, and that is its emotional impact - just incredible, and speaks right to the heart... I did a quickie job with that little line - not perfect - but it'll give you an idea to see if you like...
Debra, you have done an excellent job here with your processing to create a wonderful work of photart. The texturing gives terrific depth and a painterly feel as well as a timeless feeling, without distracting from that perfect expression. It actually enhances it, as well as the entire atmosphere of the image. Wonderful color and detail as well. My only nit is that little line around the outer edge of the child's face. Everything in the "painting" looks completely realistic except that line, in my eye. As you are doing such great work with PS, I would finish off this one element by carefully cloning out that line. If you really zoom in large on screen, you should have no problem - probably best to keep the clone tool strength at 100%, to keep it crisp, and the texture should actually work to your advantage. Just my opinion, but I think it is worth the effort (on a duplicate layer, of course), to see if you like the result...
I think your composition is terrific, though I do go back and forth on possibly cropping just about half of the top space above the left hand blanket for little less bottom heaviness. But then, another part of me likes your use of that space to perhaps emphasise the smallness of the child, and actually counterract the busy-ness below...
Either way, this is a beautiful work of photart, Debra. I read your forum post and can only encourage you to keep up your wonderful skills in presenting your vision as you feel it in your heart - no one can take that away... Mahalo, GP.