© Steve Risby 2003, size and medium not given From the Artist: "My paintings are their own statement, I would hope. I'd love to hear feedback as I haven't been getting my work out there much recently, am now moving up a gear. Help always appreciated/returned. My influences include my tutors, especially Rod Harman (of Hastings), Wyne Jones, Bev Brennan , Marcus Lazerides, and my painter mates Alex Roberts (Ferrett), Keith Esdale, Chris Humphries, Gary Sollars (for my portaits) and of course all the greats, especially Vincent, early Jackson, reading William Blake when tripping, Tintoretto and El Greek; I heard Pab did a few nice ones.... Also early influences that remain, Hitchens, Lanyon, Rae,Chris Wood, friends and family. Looking forward to hearing from you all, or even just someone. I'm online on Monday very late GMT if anyone wants to chat in the Painting chat room." See also Emmanuelle Reading and Door to the River.

From the Painting Guide: To me the figure in this painting is overwhelmed by the background, which is very hectic. I like the simplified face - the petite features make me see the figure as a woman - but the dark hair competes for attention with the foreground, and to my mind loses. I wonder whether painting the shirt red would give the figure the prominence it's currently lacking; red is a very dominant colour and would pull the eye in. At the moment the few splashes of red, which look ominously like splashes of blood, distract the eye from the face, which should be the focal point.

In terms of composition, the top of the head is possibly a little near the top of the painting. I like the way the figure has space to look into, while at the same time there's enough background behind the figure to anchor it firmly in the setting. I think what stops your eye from following the figure's eyes off the painting to the left are the dashes of red, which draw your eye down. I like the splashes behind the shoulders as they can be interpreted as many things - mountains, buildings, a fence.