Visual critiques, done in response to the work of colleagues, are opportunities to embody a visual language different from our usual work.
In the first image, I did a direct copy of what I saw in the original. There were many beautiful passages but overall it felt fragmented. In the second version I consolidated major areas so the heads would be less disconnected from other parts of the painting. Traditional gouache mixes with previous layers, losing some vibrancy. It was a tradeoff to see what might happen with fewer subdivisions.
Direct copy, gouache and ink, approx 10 x 12, 11/16/11
Consolidated, gouache and ink, approx 10 x 12, 11/17/11
There is one sculptor in the first year MFA group. Her piece was a multi-storied stack of cardboard boxes with a viewing window cut in the bottom corner and the top story open to the ceiling. Fields of cut paper grass sprouted from the floor on each level. I simplified my response to one room and used sewing pins instead of paper grass. Ouch.
Pin box, grey and black mat board with sewing pins, 9″ x 3″ overall, 11/6/11
Pin box, grey and black mat board with sewing pins, 9″ x 3″ overall, 11/6/11
Fish — gouache, 6.5 x 10 inches (17 x 25 cm), 11/05/11 
Couple — gouache, 11.25 x 15 inches (17 x 25 cm), 11/14/11 
Pink Jacket and Shoes, gouache, 10 x 6.5 inches (25 x 17 cm), 10/26/11