This a follow-up to a post I shared a little bit ago, but I want to make sure there are no competing contrasts. So, I'm posting the values of what I added so far. The theme is that both characters are under water. I want to keep the overall look of the characters: the woman's darker skin and the bird's two-tones. My goal, however, is to make sure that the viewer looks at the woman first. Am I succeeding? Am I on the right track? If anyone has input on areas I can improve, I'm open to suggestions

My eyes go to the woman's face first and then drop to the bird where they like to stay. So I am drawn to the bird more than the woman, I would say. I am wondering if you could add just a bit of white or color to the woman's hair, not much, but enough to bring my eyes back again since she is the main object you want to emphasize? I like the bluer sky in the first one in contrast to the woman, I think the woman pops more. Now, I just took another look and I think I am drawn back to the woman more than I thought so, I guess I don't really know what I'm talking about The yellow eyes are what draws mw back. I love the colors and it looks good!

@Ashton-H Aw, this took me by surprise! Thank you, and it's equally inspiring to me that you're working on your own self-published art books. Keep going!

@sketchbook This looks amazing with the darkened tone, and the dramatic lighting, wow! Thank you all for your comments. I'll have another look at the piece. This is really great feedback

@whitney-simms Good idea about finding my tribe. Thanks!

Great thumbnailing! When you narrow it down to the one you want to do, I'd encourage you to do thumbnails with a bunch of value variations.

@mwinkelmans Top right. A bay window: It's not a capricious suggestion. A bay window is the perfect solution for what is proposed in the specifications. In short: I agree, in every point, with @bharris.

Very cute! The only thing that I would do is maybe make the cake bigger or and a candle to it. I really didn't notice the cake till I looked harder.