In the Pink by Caroline Thatcher

Well there's a character ..... life and soul, one would think, of any party going. Your fondness for your sister shows through.

Spot on!

What a wonderful character your sister looks! I like the way you have played up the whole 'pinkness' of the face, hat and clothes which makes a great statement. P.S If I have to be honest, I would have preferred the portrait without the background as I find that the strength of the face and character might stand alone better. However, it isn't my painting and I don't know what your objective was when you composed the work, so it is difficult to be too prescriptive - so it is just a viewer's reaction.

Thank you Thea. I agree with your comment on the background. I was entering it for an exhibition in Bath, hence Pulteney Bridge. I may rework it yet!

That's what I mean about never knowing what an artist's intention is and why one has to be cautious about giving advice to change anything. I can quite see your point now given the competition location.