Ben by Duncan Thomas

Well, I can't say "I told you so to this one"! As you say, perhaps your previous photograph didn't show "the mess"... if indeed it was a mess. This version, however, is excellent too inasmuch as there is a different feel to it - more depth into the window perhaps, yet you have still not been tempted to overpower it with checks. Your treatment of the shirts works/enhances. Impressive!

Oh - dilemma as both versions are really excellent. On spending a bit of time examining both I have to come down on the side of the one without the checks on the shirt. Difficult to explain why, but I think I like the idea with the less defined one of being able, as the viewer, to fill in the details myself that you have left undescribed. To me it promotes a sense of connection with the painting that can be lost if you are told everything - does that make sense? However, I'm such a great fan of your work that I think that everything you produce is wonderful, so my preference is just academic really.

have been flicking back & forth between the two and while the other was good I think this one even better. The first posting he has a strong presence, by adding some checks to he shirt I think you have improved it, you weren't tempted to add too much so he still has a strong presence but his shirt no longer disappears - flatly into the window. If I were you I would stop now !