Harpist at Cliffs of Moher

While in Ireland, we visited the Cliffs of Moher along the western coastline.  The cliffs tower 600-700 feet above the ocean, an unforgettable sight.   I posted a painting of the cliffs in an earlier blog, and I didn't want to forget about this scene as well.   A harp player was set up on the approach to the cliff paths.  Her music filled the air with its sweet sound, and it provided a dreamy backdrop (as if the sight of the cliffs was not incredible enough.)

Irish Harpist

It was a bit chilly and windy, and the harpist was dressed in layers.   She wore long black fingerless gloves, a black sweater with pleated bell sleeves, a fitted, short, dark plum-colored jacket with matching billowy full skirt.  And finally, as a top layer, she wore a dramatic full length red satin lined black cape.  The outfit seemed a perfect match for both the place and instrument.

For the painting to work, I tried to be conscious of the weighting of the composition.  The armature's flow started down in the lower left corner and made a diagonal up to the harpist's chin.    The curved top of the harp swung down and then up to her face as well.   With the lines converging on the face, I was conflicted about which element should be the center of interest.  The positioning of the fingers was what I really liked best.   They looked prominent, strong and nimble.   I thought they ought to take precedence even over her face.    At this almost-finished point, I welcome any comments on these
two areas of interest (face and fingers), or anything else for that matter.